The first RE-ORG workshop ever held in Africa took place at the Jos National Museum, Nigeria in May 2017. After its conclusion, participants from 12 museums from every corner of Nigeria went back to their institutions to revise and implement their reorganization plans, using the RE-ORG methodology to tackle problems of overcrowding of objects and poor storage conditions.
By the end of August 2017, all 12 museums had submitted their own “Home Projects.” These were eligible for grants up to $1,500 to provide equipment and material to leverage their modest institutional resources and to complement the knowledge, skills and innovating spirit of their staff. The Re-Org Nigeria project teams include personnel from the documentation, curatorial and administrative areas, along with electricians, carpenters, and security guards.
Projects had to be able to achieve required changes by the end of 2017 so as to ensure the long-term preservation and access of the collections. Many projects are aimed at regrouping scattered collections, rationalizing storage areas which may be crowded with tools, equipment and other non-collection materials, and generally creating better conditions for the objects.
The implementation of the RE-ORG methodology across the country is intended to revolutionize the way collections are managed, stored and used for public enjoyment. This project is a joint initiative of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, the Ahmadu Bello University and ICCROM, generously funded by the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.
The next encounter and evaluation seminar is planned for March 2018 at the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria.