Shyllon Museum Joins TheMuseumsLab Network for 2026 Residency Programme

The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art has joined the 2026 cohort of TheMuseumsLab. The partnership marks an important moment for the museum and Nigeria’s cultural sector.

The museum was selected as one of 66 partner institutions for the programme. With this achievement, YSMA becomes the first Nigerian university art museum to join the Afro-European network.

The 2026 edition of TheMuseumsLab is themed “Building Futures from Memory: Museums and Memorial Sites as Agents.” The programme focuses on how museums can support dialogue, justice, reconciliation, and community engagement.

The initiative is organised by the German Academic Exchange Service, also known as DAAD, and the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin.

YSMA to Host International Residency

As part of the partnership, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art will host its first international residency programme in September 2026.

The residency will welcome two museum professionals from Uganda and the United Kingdom. The programme will focus on learning, cultural exchange, and professional development.

The museum said the residency supports its mission of promoting education, creativity, and public engagement through art and culture.

The programme will also help strengthen the museum’s role in international museum conversations.

Museum Director Reacts

Jess Castellote described the partnership as a major step for the institution.

He said the collaboration shows YSMA’s commitment to learning, dialogue, and cultural exchange.

According to him, the residency programme will allow the museum to support museum professionals from different countries while bringing new ideas into Nigeria’s cultural space.

The MuseumsLab Welcomes YSMA

Solveig Rietschel welcomed YSMA into the network.

She praised the museum’s educational programmes and community-focused projects.

She also said the residency would create an important platform for collaboration between African and European museum professionals.

Growing International Recognition

Over the years, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art has gained recognition for its exhibitions and educational programmes.

The new partnership is expected to increase the museum’s global visibility and support new conversations about African art and heritage.

The residency programme is also expected to create new partnerships and ideas within the museum sector.

About YSMA

The museum is located at Pan-Atlantic University.

In 2020, it was named Museum Opening of the Year by Apollo Magazine.

YSMA is known for preserving and promoting Nigerian art through exhibitions, research, and educational activities.