The Islamic art Museumscape: the Jameel Gallery 20th anniversary conference

Over the last 20 years, many developments in the field of Islamic art studies have been led by the work of museum professionals and the wide range of users who engage with museum collections. Through four thematic panels, this conference will reflect on some of the key areas in which the field has changed. 

We will discuss questions of provenance research into Islamic art collections in the context of decolonial approaches; how ways of working have changed, for example through museum programming and community engagement; and how working with museum collections, for example through collaborations with contemporary art and artists, has opened up the field of Islamic art.

We will also hear about recent and upcoming ways of presenting Islamic art in museums and exhibitions, with case studies of the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, the Museum für Islamische Kunst in Berlin (reopening 2027), and the Lusail Museum in Qatar. 

This conference will be hybrid. Attendees will be able to register to attend in person or online.

This event is part of the V&A’s Jameel Programme, celebrating 20 years of The Jameel Gallery with Community Jameel.