The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) hopes to empower museum and heritage professionals who are at the forefront of preserving the culture, collections, and traditions across the Asia-Pacific Region thanks to a $429,872 grant. Funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Cultural Heritage Center (CHC), the award will support a two-year Asia-Pacific Museum Exchange Program committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
“We hope this project can draw on local knowledge to forge closer linkages between Asia-Pacific neighbors that creates new synergies and strengthens museums and heritage organizations,” said Miriam Stark, director at CSEAS.
The program will provide professional development for mid-career professionals working in small to medium-size museums and cultural centers in islands of Southeast Asia and western Pacific islands.
CSEAS aims to guide participants to explore Indigenous knowledge in conservation, utilize digital tools to engage communities, and master advanced techniques in collections management. Applications for the program will be open from November 4-22.
Virtual and in-person training
The training will begin in spring 2025 with a series of virtual workshops, followed by two intensive, in-person workshops in Honolulu, scheduled for July 2025 and July 2026. The workshops will provide hands-on experience, direct interaction with experts, and the chance to build lasting professional connections.
CSEAS is seeking applicants from across the Asia-Pacific, including the islands of Southeast Asia nations and Pacific Island territories such as the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands and Guam.
This program is made possible through the Hawaiʻi-Pacific Islands Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, a partnership between the U.S. Department of State’s CHC, National Park Service and UH Mānoa CSEAS.
“Having this opportunity to work with the State Department and Park Service to enhance Asia-Pacific Museum networks is a real honor for our university and center, and we look forward to linking together colleagues across the region through these events,.” said Miriam Stark, director of CSEAS.
For more information, contact Teri Skillman at skillman@hawaii.edu or visit the CSEAS website.
