Join Iziko’s Virtual Symposium as part of the in_herit FESTIVAL 2020
Media images and interview requests, please contact: Zikhona Jafta at mediaofficer@iziko.org.za
Join Iziko online for the annual in_herit FESTIVAL 2020 – a dynamic virtual cultural programme and Heritage Day celebration from 21 – 27 September! The impact of the COVID19 pandemic requires that we face new challenges and embrace a new way of thinking – and this year, Iziko is celebrating our heritage and histories differently.
Museums are more than spaces of learning, exploration and discovery. Museum collections help us to understand the world we live in – and provides specimens, objects and artefacts for research in order to generate new bodies of knowledge. The conservation of museum collections help to show future generations what our world was like. Iziko has a long tradition of scholarship, knowledge creation and education. It boasts a distinguished team of renowned experts specialising in various fields as curators, conservators, collections managers and researchers – in the disciplines of art, natural and social history.
With this in mind, Iziko kicks off the in_herit FESTIVAL 2020 with a Virtual Symposium. Over a period of three days, Iziko will host a series of lunch-time presentations – with live, interactive sessions taking place via Zoom Meetings at 13h00 on 22, 23, and 24 September 2020. The online talks – presented by Iziko curators, collections managers, and conservators – will consider the work they do, the research they conduct, and discuss heritage issues in today’s hyper-dynamic context.
DAY 1: Candid Conversations – connecting with the Art Collections
Tuesday, 22 September 2020 at 13h00, via Zoom
Register here: http://bit.ly/VirtualSymposium_Candid_Conversations
Join Iziko art curators Tšhegofatšo Mabaso, Hayden Proud and Ingrid Masondo, for a candid conversation about: Queer representation – redress, inclusivity present and future; Irma Stern’s Arab Priest painting and its recent return to South Africa; and Photography and New Media: questions about heritage and community.
DAY 2: Reflection and Restoration – unearthing our Social Histories;
Wednesday, 23 September 2020 at 13h00, via Zoom
Register here: http://bit.ly/VirtualSymposium_Reflection_and_Restoration
Reflect on the roots, histories and communities of the enslaved with Iziko Assistant Curator, Linda Mbeki, and bring into memory records from the extensive VOC archives; uncover new research of the ‘Silo Wreck’ vessel’s remains with Iziko Collections Manager, Jake Harding; and understand the impact of sustained heritage conservation for future generations with Iziko Conservator, Bradley Mottie.
DAY 3: Exploration and Examination of Natural History Collections
Thursday, 24 September 2020 at 13h00, via Zoom
Register here: http://bit.ly/VirtualSymposium_Exploration_and_Examination
Jofred Opperman, Iziko Collections Manager, takes participants on an online behind-the-scenes tour, exploring the treasures housed in the Iziko South African Museum; join Iziko Curator of Karoo Palaeontology and scientist, Claire Browning, for a virtual showcase of the Boonstra Diaramas; and learn about the importance of the lesser known slimy, segmented monsters called polychaetes – and why they’re important to society at large – with Iziko Curator of Marine Biology, Dylan Clarke.
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Register to participate, pose questions and engage with the presenters via Zoom Meetings for each event. Numbers are limited and registration closes the day before the event. Please note that a detailed Symposium daily programme is available online
As spaces of heritage, museums are an important social conduit for educating people about societal issues, stimulating active citizenship, and acting as catalysts for social change. Now, more than ever before, museums can offer a sense of community
Visit www.iziko.org.za for all in_herit FESTIVAL programme details.
Connect with us online on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and the Iziko website – and like, follow and share our news events and activities!
ENDS
Issued by: Ellen Agnew
Communications Coordinator: Iziko Museums of South Africa
Telephone: 021 481 3830 Email: eagnew@iziko.org.za
Website: www.iziko.org.za
Issued on behalf of the Office of the CEO, Iziko Museums of South Africa
About Iziko Museums of South Africa (Iziko)
Iziko operates 11 national museums, the Planetarium and Digital Dome, the Social History Centre and three collection‑specific libraries in Cape Town. The museums that make up Iziko have their own history and character, presenting extensive art, social and natural history collections that reflect our diverse African heritage. Iziko is a public entity and public benefit organisation that brings together these museums under a single governance and leadership structure. The organisation allows *free access to all individuals on commemorative days, (*excluding the Castle of Good Hope, Groot Constantia and Planetarium and Digital Dome). Visit our webpage at www.iziko.org.za, join our online community on Facebook (www.facebook.com/IzikoMuseums), Instagram (@izikomuseumssa) or follow us on Twitter (@Iziko_Museums) for regular updates on events, news and new exhibitions.
