Skip to main content

What’s on

We are organising programmes for cultural academics, artists and creatives. You can find them all here.

MOWAA is dedicated to furthering the education, research and exhibition opportunities for West African Art and Archaeology.  Learn more about our current initiatives and programmes and how we are contributing to the local and arts ecosystem in Benin City.

Category March 2023

MOWAA Appointments

MOWAA Strengthens Focus on Modern and Contemporary Art with Two New Appointments

Read more here
Read more here
Research & Conservation September 2023

Futures of Archaeology

MOWAA hosts their first ever West African Archaeology Seminar in Benin City, Nigeria

Read about them here
Read about them here
July 2023

MOWAA partners with Oxford University's School of Archaeology

New horizons for Africa-led scientific research through multi-year partnership with Oxford University’s School of Archaeology

MOWAA announces partnership with Oxford University’s School of Archaeology
MOWAA announces partnership with Oxford University’s School of Archaeology

Our recent stories

View all stories
Article

Futures of Archaeology: Preserving the Past, Mapping the Future: Collaborative Approaches to Nigerian Heritage

December 4 2024

Read here
Futures of Archaeology: Preserving the Past, Mapping the Future: Collaborative Approaches to Nigerian Heritage
Article

MOWAA holds Museum in the Making: a preview of the MOWAA Institute

November 5 2024

Read here
MOWAA holds Museum in the Making: a preview of the MOWAA Institute
Article

Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) Receives $3 Million Grant From Mellon Foundation

September 13 2024

Read here
Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) Receives $3 Million Grant From Mellon Foundation

Internships & Residencies

In 2022, we launched our first edition of Open Learning, engaging over 500 students across 5 schools in creative workshops, essay writing, and visits to a live dig site.

Supported by the Open Society Foundation, this initiative exposes young students to diverse career paths in the arts, creative, and heritage economy.

Read about it here

Our current job listings

  • MOWAA is looking for a seasoned professional in strategic marketing, communications, and PR, with a proven track record of delivering measurable impact, we invite you to bring your expertise to MOWAA. Together, we can inspire and educate global audiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for West Africa's artistic legacy and positioning MOWAA as an internationally recognized model of artistic excellence and innovation.

    Key Responsibilities:

    Strategic Communications:

    • Build and execute MOWAA’s annual communication strategy, clearly outlining key audience- and goal-specific communications products.
    • Research and monitor the activities of other organizations in the sector to identify collaboration opportunities and contribute to the topical news agenda by sharing and commenting on relevant content.
    • Act as the brand manager/owner, ensuring that all communications, visual elements, and content across digital and print platforms are consistent with MOWAA’s brand identity and aesthetics.
    • Ensure brand consistency across all media channels, appealing to partners, donors, and the general public.
    • Liaise with local and international PR consultants on key projects and initiatives.

    Media Relations Support:

    • Track press requests and media mentions of MOWAA, providing weekly media reports to senior management with response recommendations.
    • Draft press releases and key messages for dissemination to relevant media platforms and stakeholders.

    Web and Social Media Management:

    • Develop and implement a social media strategy that supports our delivery plans, including targets to increase brand awareness and engagement.
    • Oversee the management of MOWAA’s website, including content updates, design, and development of new pages. The candidate should have a working knowledge of content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress, enabling them to build pages, upload content, and manage external vendors or designers when necessary.
    • Monitor, track, analyze, and report on social media and news platforms using tools like Google Analytics and Facebook, recommending improvements to increase performance.

    Content Development:

    • Set up plans and processes to ensure we have compelling graphics, video, and written content to support a proactive media presence.
    • Source and manage content producers for outsourced projects, including drafting TORs, contracting, and oversight on execution.
    • Review all outgoing content for publication on our platforms and for key partners.
    • Drive value-for-money and cost efficiency in our production and dissemination work.
    • Regularly collaborating with MOWAA department leads to ensure consistent documentation of activities and build a multimedia archive over time.
    • Provide guidelines and training for staff to ensure appropriate use of MOWAA’s communications tools and platforms (i.e., templates, media messages, etc.).

    Collaboration and Coordination:

    • Work closely with the current Head of Communications to ensure a seamless transition and continuity in communication strategies.
    • Supervise and mentor junior team members within the communications department, providing guidance on content creation, brand management, and digital tools.
    • Interface with the fundraising team on our membership scheme to support donor communications and fundraising goals.
    • Collaborate with the public programme manager to support and coordinate public events and initiatives.
    • Liaise with local production and press teams to ensure effective media coverage and content production.

     

    Essential Skills:

    • At least 8 years of experience with a proven record of accomplishment of creating the right voice, deepening brand awareness, and achieving engagement with different audiences.
    • Strong copywriting, editing, and presentation skills, with excellent attention to detail.
    • Ability to develop and manage projects through to completion, including proposal development, planning, and budget management.
    • Experience in identifying and motivating a network of contractors or a small team to achieve goals.
    • Proficiency in content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, with the ability to manage or oversee website content and development.
    • A ‘start-up mentality’ – self-motivated, adaptable, and collaborative.
    • Strong social purpose motivation and excellent teamwork, collaboration, and people skills.

    How to Apply:  To apply, submit your CV, cover letter to careers@wearemowaa.org by August 30, 2024. Kindly include “Senior Communications Associate” in the subject line. Enquires should also be sent to the same address.

    You can download the full job description here.

  • We are seeking an experienced conservator to join our Collections department. Reporting to the Head of Collections, the Senior Conservator will be responsible for the preventive care of art and artefacts in MOWAA’s collection, as well as providing support for supervised restoration work.

    Key Responsibilities

    · Carry out research and apply standard conservation techniques to treat objects in MOWAA’s collections.

    · Conduct thorough assessments and documentation of objects to monitor their condition and identify signs of deterioration.

    · Prepare detailed written treatment proposals, condition reports, and treatment reports, including comprehensive photographic documentation.

    · Work closely with colleagues to plan and execute complex conservation treatments.

     

    Essential Skills:

    · A bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in Conservation or a related field, with a specialization in object conservation, from a recognized training institution.

    · A minimum of 6 – 8 years of relevant experience in a recognized heritage institution or equivalent technical expertise and education, with a preference for candidates with experience working with historic collections.

    · Proven track record of planned and successfully completed conservation treatments.

    · Active membership in a professional conservation organization.

    · Familiarity with a diverse range of West African objects, including ethnographic, historical, archaeological, and contemporary art.

    · Excellent oral and written communication skills.

     

    How to Apply:  To apply, submit your CV, cover letter to careers@wearemowaa.org. Kindly include “Senior Conservator” in the subject line. Enquires should also be sent to the same address.

    You can download the full job description here.

     

  • We are hiring an experienced Archivist and Collections Manager to shape and drive its archival and collections strategy for historic works. Reporting to the Head of Collections, the Archivist and Collections Manager will play a key role in developing and promoting MOWAA’s growing collections while supporting the execution of critical archival and collections initiatives.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Support the care and preservation of MOWAA’s collections and assets.
    • Catalogue and document archives and collections owned and/or managed by MOWAA.
    • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, policies, and documentation related to archives and collections management.
    • Maintain accurate records of all documentation related to objects within the collection, including copyrights, installations, accessions, deaccessions, condition reports, insurance certificates, loan agreements, and deeds of gift.
    • Manage guest access to archives and respond to inquiries.
    • Research and address copyright issues.
    • Oversee database maintenance, internal and external object transfers, and ensure accurate object location records.
    • Supervise and train staff and partner institutions on archival and collections management practices
    • Collaborate with other staff members including curators, exhibition designers, art handlers and conservators to coordinate and schedule exhibitions, installation, and collection rotations.
    • Monitor and communicate budgets related to the management of the database and physical archives to the appropriate authority in a timely manner.
    • Collaborate with the Learning and Outreach Department to produce educational materials from MOWAA’s collections.

    Essential Skills:

    • A bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in Library and Information Studies, Collections Management, Archival Studies, Museum Studies, Computer studies or related field.
    • A minimum of 6 – 8 years’ relevant work experience.
    • Proficiency in collections management system, museum practice, database applications, and Microsoft Office Package suite (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
    • Familiarity with archival research methods and the ability to navigate archival resources.
    • Experience in setting up and managing digital databases/inventory.
    • Proficiency in handling physical spaces (i.e. library, archives, gallery store, etc).

     

    How to Apply:  To apply, submit your CV, cover letter to careers@wearemowaa.org. Kindly include “Senior Conservator” in the subject line. Enquires should also be sent to the same address.

    You can download the full job description here.