Manchester Museum commits to ‘values-based practice’ with new role

Manchester Museum has appointed SAM KALUBOWILA to the newly-created position of head of learning and participation, reinforcing its “commitment to values-based practice”.

The role will build on the museum’s approach to learning and participation, with Kalubowila emphasising “the principles of imagination, inclusion and care” that helped the institution win European Museum of the Year in 2025.

Kalubowila will start in March and work to “help more people benefit from globally-significant collections and research, developing programmes for lifelong learning, creative health, social justice and environmental action”.

Bringing more than 20 years’ experience in programme design and delivery cross culture and education, he has held roles at Arts Council England, the University of Manchester’s Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre and senior positions in higher education.

Kalubowila said that since he moved to Manchester in 2005, he had developed “a really deep connection” with the museum.

“I’m so excited to work with colleagues across the museum and the University of Manchester to continue opening access to the collections we care for, creating inclusive learning spaces where we can come together to tackle the big questions,” he said.

Manchester Museum director ESME WARD said: “Since reopening in 2023, we’ve been building a phenomenal team that embraces the values of inclusion, imagination and care, and Sam will be such a valuable addition.”

One of the UK’s largest university museums, the institution underwent a £15 million transformation to create a “more inclusive, imaginative and caring” space, reopening in February 2023.

“But we’re just getting started. On the back of this, a series of recent curatorial appointments and the upcoming launch of our new strategic plan, we’re striding confidently into the next 10 years of Manchester Museum,” she added.