The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine

Iziko Museums, in celebration of International Museum Day, presents the 2nd Iziko Virtual Symposium 

For media images and interview requests, please contact: Zikhona Jafta at mediaofficer@iziko.org.za

In celebration of International Museum Day on Tuesday 18 May, Iziko Museums are launching the 2nd Iziko Virtual Symposium, and will be offering *FREE entry to selected Iziko Museums, with half-priced entry to the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome.  

Over a period of three days, from 18 May until 20 May, Iziko Museums will host the 2nd Iziko Virtual Symposium, facilitated by Iziko Educator, Glynn Alard. These interactive lunchtime sessions showcase the work, research and practice of Iziko curators, collections staff, conservators and educators, and explore the museums’ collections within today’s environmental and social contexts. The daily presentations take place between 13h00 and 14h00 via Zoom, and will be streamed live on the Iziko Facebook page.

On Tuesday, 18 May, explore the Iziko South African National Gallery in:

1. Looking at the Sculpting in Relief: The Work of Herbert and Eva Meyerowitz with Hayden Proud, 
2. New Insights: technical examinations of paintings with Angela Zehnder, and 
3. State of the Storages at the Iziko South African National Gallery with Enoch Bangeni. 

Register to participate: https://bit.ly/IzikoVirtualSymposium_Art

On Wednesday, 19 May, delve into the Social History Collections in:

1. Access, Growth and Accountability with Tessa Davids, 
2. African Beadwork Collection with Ntombi Tywakadi, and 
3. Leprosy, TB, Brucellosis in Colonial South Africa with Tessa Campbell.

Register here to participate: https://bit.ly/IzikoVirtualSymposium_SocialHistory 

On Thursday, 20 May, discover:

1. A day in the Life of a Research Assistant by Aabid Abrahams, 
2. Fossils: from the field to the lab with Sibusiso Mtungata and, meet 
3. Creepy Crawlers: Who, how and why we collect them by Terry Reynolds-Berry.

Register here to participate: https://bit.ly/IzikoVirtualSymposium_NaturalHistory 
 

*Please note that FREE entry only applies to Iziko Museums open on Tuesday, 18 May 2021.

About International Museum Day
International Museum Day (IMD) is celebrated by museums worldwide on the 18th of May. Instituted by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in 1977, IMD provides museums with the opportunity to showcase the importance, value and significance of museums in society. Museums across the globe have experienced the impact of Covid-19, and this year’s theme, The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine, invites museum staff, stakeholders and communities to reflect, consider and share new learnings, mechanisms and practices within this contemporary museum context. 

When visiting Iziko Museums, your health and safety, and that of our staff, is of utmost importance. Please note that there are Covid-19 protocols in place to ensure the safety of both staff and visitors; we thank you for all your efforts in maintaining social distancing to keep both yourself and us safe. 

Throughout this uncertain period, Iziko has been online and working to showcase our unique work and collections on the website. Visit www.iziko.org.za to explore all that we have on offer, and keep up-to-date on COVID19 safety protocols and opening hours. Make sure to also like, follow and share our social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok!

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 Museums operate 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 Museums have their own history and character, presenting extensive art, social and natural history collections that reflect our diverse African heritage.  Iziko Museums bring together these museums under a single governance and leadership structure, as a public entity and public benefit organisation.  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.