Think Museums is a digital project developed by Francis Awinda. Working closely with museums, arts, and the cultural sector, he recognized the importance of developing a platform that provides these institutions with a digital space to share their knowledge. The project aims to document museum collections and their various facets across multiple digital platforms.
In 2008, Francis was awarded a full scholarship to pursue postgraduate studies in museums. This was a collaborative program hosted by the University of the Western Cape, the University of Cape Town, and research at the Robben Island Museum in South Africa. During his studies, Francis developed a conservation management plan for World War II gun emplacements on Robben Island, interviewed former political prisoners for an oral history project, and researched the digitization of African heritage using web technology.
As an information manager at the International Council of African Museums (AFRICOM), Francis was instrumental in developing and managing the AFRICOM Information Centre. This center focuses on creating easy access to heritage information for museum professionals within Africa and abroad. He also managed the communications section, which involved organizing and promoting museums, maintaining the official website, and moderating AFRICOM-L—an online discussion forum for museum professionals.
Additionally, he served as the managing editor of the AFRICOM News Magazine, which reached a subscription base of 1,500 museologists across Africa. During his tenure, Francis oversaw the development and publication of the second edition of the Directory of Museum Professionals in Africa and moderated the 2009 online AFRICOM board elections in collaboration with UNESCO Paris. In 2010, he coordinated AFRICOM’s Exhibition Development and Capacity Building Workshop for museums in East Africa, which was funded by the Norwegian government. He also helped manage the small grants and consultancy services programs for museums and served as a member of the organizing committee for the 2009 AFRICOM international conferences.
Francis has participated in Museum workshops and conferences in several African countries, Europe, and America.
For collaborations and how to participate in our programs, please send your details through the Contact Page.