Call for Our Collections Matter Field Projects 2024 applications

Do you work with collections or in a collections-based organization, such as a museum, archive, or library? Would you like to unlock the full potential of these collections to make concrete contributions to sustainable development? 

Let us help you turn your aspirations into reality using the Our Collections Matter Toolkit!

Collective effort from members of the community and museum staff at the Fort Jesus Museum. Credit: National Museums of Kenya – Fort Jesus Museum.

How it works 

If selected, you will participate in bi-monthly online workshops throughout 2024 to learn more about sustainable development, Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

We will guide you in setting achievable goals, then help you select relevant tools from the Our Collections Matter Toolkit to meet them. You will put all of this into practice by implementing an Our Collections Matter (OCM) Field Project in your organization.  

Between workshops, you will work on your OCM Field Project using the Our Collections Matter Toolkit and a dedicated set of project planning and evaluation forms. The specific activities you undertake in your OCM Field Project will depend on you and your local context. As the programme develops, you will get to exchange your ideas and share your experiences with other participants from around the world.  

Up to 30 diverse collections-based organizations will be selected to participate. The workshops will be conducted in English, with discussion time to help you learn from each another. 

Upon successful completion, your organization will receive a certificate, and your OCM Field Project will be featured on ICCROM's website, inspiring many others internationally to contribute to sustainable development through collections-based work. 

Selected organizations will not be required to pay any fee.  

We will deliver the workshops, which are highly participatory and interactive, on ZOOM. Before applying, please consider if you have access to a stable internet connection, a suitable device to connect and participate, and the availability to attend all live meetings online. Given the different time zones, we will make sure to select the best possible meeting times to facilitate everyone's participation. 

Eligibility 

This opportunity is open to anyone working in a collections-based organization of any size, including museums, libraries and archives. 

No prior knowledge of sustainable development is necessary, but you should be committed to directing your work and the activities of your organization towards creating a better future for everyone. That includes upholding the principles of Agenda 2030 and the SDGs, with their focus on people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership. 

How to apply 

Please fill out the application form and send it to collectionsmatter@iccrom.org 

Words from our 2023 participants 

'...a great opportunity for experience exchange with colleagues around the world engaged with the SDG goals in their work...Certainly, this experience at the OCM program encouraged me to work harder to include more libraries that can also do SDG-compliant programs.'  

Almedina Salihagić, Expert Adviser to Documentarians/Librarians, Library and Documentation Center of the Commission to Preserve National Monuments, Bosnia and Herzegovina 

'Our collections, powerful tools, with them we can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.' 

Alagbe Christiana Elurihu, Assistant Chief Conservator, National Museum of Unity Ibadan, Nigeria 

'My participation in Our Collection Matter 2023 Field project was very inspiring and insightful. [It] has enhanced and developed my capacity working with and application of relevant SDGs in the preservation and conservation of cultural and natural heritage properties. The knowledge will help me and my institution to conserve and preserve our collections in a more efficient and sustainable way.' 

Benjamin Kapombo Lopanda, Assistant Conservator, Department of Museums and Monuments, Malawi 

'Participating in the OCM program helped us improve our bond with the Nikkei community, through the creation of new knowledge about the pieces of our collection. In 2024 we will expand the program to other communities and deepen its reach.' 

Tomás Dotta, General Coordinator/COO, Museo Nacional de Arte Oriental, Argentina