UK to train SA museum curators

2005-02-28 20:06

London - Britain is offering up to 30 training places at some of its most-famous museums to help young South African curators hone their skills, said British culture secretary Tessa Jowell on Monday.

The British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Museum of London and the Horniman Museum in south London have agreed to provide six-month placements that will help South Africans develop their museum management and specialist curatorial abilities.

The scheme, to cost £300 000 (about R3.3m) for the next three years, is being paid for by the British government under a partnership with the South African department of arts and culture.

"People working in the UK's museums have a world-class reputation, thanks to their skill and expertise," said Jowell.

"This is a chance for some of that to be passed on to South Africa, to help its museums develop the highest standards as they continue the task of recording and preserving their heritage."

- SAPA