One artist has embarked on an ambitious endeavour: to create a private museum. King Ngabo, renowned for his captivating creations, made a bold move by revealing his ambitious vision on social media. If successful, his personal museum would become the first privately-owned museum in the country.
In this article, The News Times presents the guidelines set by the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA) on how to successfully set up a private museum, for anyone with a similar goal.
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Requirements
To embark on the journey of establishing a private museum, one must begin with a comprehensive museum project proposal, which includes essential information such as the museum&039;s name, location, environmental and heritage impact assessments, ownership status, category and type, vision and mission, objectives, building description and plans, organisational and administrative structure, funding sources, collection policy, and security and risk management plans.
The RCHA, responsible for evaluating these proposals, will then go ahead to approve or not.
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Site and location
Factors such as capacity, building, accessibility, compatibility with adjacent land uses, and amenities should be carefully considered.
The museum should be easily accessible by various modes of transportation, including private vehicles, public transportation, and consideration of individuals with disabilities. Additionally, parking availability, drop-offs, and future expansion possibilities must also be taken into account.
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Description and plans
The museum building must be designed with careful consideration to accommodate museum activities and facilities. It should consist of distinct zones, including public areas for exhibitions and educational activities, non-public areas for staff and administrative purposes, as well as collection areas that are accessible or not accessible to the public.
The architectural design must prioritise functionality, aesthetics, environmental control, water and electricity supply, acoustics, visual requirements, and accessibility for people with disabilities.
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Administrative structure
One needs to establish a clear administrative structure, which outlines personnel requirements, qualifications, internal rules and regulations, and a service charter ensuring quality services and visitor satisfaction.
Collection policy
To ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the museum, a collection management policy must be developed, which addresses the acquisition and disposal of artefacts, inventory and cataloguing methods, exhibiting and storage mechanisms, conservation and restoration practices, and the overall adherence to the museum&039;s specialty.
Juvenal Nsengimana, Intellectual Property and Regulation Specialist at the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA), advised that paying close attention to the collection strategy, particularly intellectual property rights, is one way to ensure the endurance of a museum's legacy for generations to come.
"A museum's collection is the heart and soul of its existence. However, intellectual property rights play an integral role in the museum world, and you need to prioritise them. Copyrights, trademarks, and other forms of intellectual property protection must be respected and upheld," he said.
He explained that artworks and artefacts on display may carry legal copyrights or have cultural sensitivity considerations, necessitating adherence to ethical guidelines and legal obligations.
Security and risk management plans
Protecting the museum's collections, staff, visitors, and the building itself requires the implementation of comprehensive security measures.
Mechanical barriers such as secure doors, locks, fire doors, fences, and alarm systems, coupled with day and night guarding systems, enhance security. Intruder detection systems, access control measures, closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance, and effective communication during emergencies are essential components.
Moreover, regulation and measurement of critical physical quantities like temperature, humidity, and light intensity are necessary for optimal preservation.
Supervision and compliance
The Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA) plays a supervisory role in ensuring museums comply with established mandates. RCHA assesses the compliance of museum project proposals, provides authorisation and operating permits, conducts regular visits to oversee compliance, recommends necessary actions, and has the authority to suspend or close non-compliant museums.
Nsengimana stressed the importance of long-term sustainability.
"Establishing a private museum is not merely a short-lived passion project; it should be built with a vision that withstands the test of time. From financial planning and funding strategies to conservation and preservation methods, every aspect of the museum's operations must be carefully designed to ensure its continued existence," he said.