Netherlands | Sharing Stories on Contested Histories 2026

Sharing Stories on Contested Histories is calling for applications from early- and mid-career professionals working in museums and collection-managing organisations from around the world for an online and in-person programme, October to November 2026.

The programme will explore topics including provenance research, restitution, collaboration with communities of origin, care, representation, exhibiting and design, and educational and public programming. It is designed to help participants understand and work with contested histories, particularly those related to contemporary injustice.

The programme is part of the International Heritage Cooperation programme of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands and is delivered in partnership with the Reinwardt Academy (Amsterdam University of the Arts).

Online sessions will take place between 1 and 23 October 2026. From 3 to 10 November 2026 there will be an in-person programme in Leiden, the Netherlands.

Eligibility

Applicants in, or originating from, the following partner countries of the Netherlands International Heritage Cooperation Programme are eligible to apply: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Ghana, Hungary, India, Italy, Indonesia, Japan, Morocco, the Kingdom of the Netherlands (European and Caribbean regions), Poland, Spain, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Korea, Suriname, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Support

The organisers cover the costs of accommodation in Leiden, breakfast, lunch, and local transport during the onsite programme. Applicants who require support in seeking external funding for travel or other expenses should mention this in their motivation letter.

Sharing Stories on Contested Histories application guidelines

Deadline: 28 May 2026

Image: Remco Vermeulen. The participants of the public World Café event, part of the Sharing Stories on Contested Histories 2025 programme