Autumn School:
The Democratization of Heritage
Towards a Critical Engagement with Inclusive, Accessible, and Participatory Practices
21-25 September 2026, in Paris
Photo: Cologne Summer Schools
The Autumn School on The Democratization of Heritage: Towards a Critical Engagement with Inclusive, Accessible, and Participatory Practices takes place from 21-25 September 2026 in Paris (France). Application Deadline: 07 June 2026.
This Autumn School explores how museums and heritage institutions can translate the principles of accessibility, inclusivity, and participation— central to the 2022 ICOM museum definition—into everyday professional practice. The programme critically examines unequal access to art and cultural heritage, asking who is excluded, for what reasons, and how institutional structures, narratives, and practices can be transformed to address these barriers. Its main objective is to equip current and future heritage professionals and researchers with the theoretical knowledge, critical perspectives, and practical tools required to foster a sustainable culture of accessibility.
The Autumn School will host 30 participants: 15 from France and 15 from Cologne/Bonn. They engage in joint discussion and reading sessions, lectures, and field-based activities led by heritage practitioners.
Activities in Paris include visits to leading museums and heritage institutions such as the Musée Carnavalet and Palais Galliera, as well as discussions on current topics including environmental activism in museums. The programme features contributions from international experts in heritage and museum studies and combines academic exchange with social activities, including walking tours, networking events, and a welcome dinner.
The call for applications is primarily aimed at graduate students in heritage or related fields. International students enrolled at the University of Cologne and the University of Bonn are strongly encouraged to apply and must hold a valid Schengen visa. Applications are also welcome from museum and heritage practitioners in the Cologne/Bonn region. Participants will work in small, interdisciplinary, and international groups—bringing together students and heritage professionals—to foster peer learning and professional exchange. Heritage professionals are welcome to apply; however, they are expected to secure their own funding, with travel and accommodation costs covered by their institution or a third party. Successful applicants will receive €400 in travel support, contributing to accommodation costs, as well as free admission to the museums included in the Autumn School program.
How to apply: Please send a cover letter (1-2 pages), including your motivation to participate in the Autumn School, a brief presentation on your research topics, as well as your CV (1 page) to ghlbn@uni-bonn.de by 07 June 2026. Candidates will be notified by mid-July.
For more information click the PDF Link below:
The programme is organised by the Chair for Critical Heritage, Museum and Memory Studies at the University of Cologne (Mirjam Brusius), the Argelander Professorship for Critical Museum and Heritage Studies and the Global Heritage Lab at the University of Bonn (Julia Binter, Emilia Fernengel), and the Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, specifically the Diplôme d’université “Pour l’accès à l’art et au patrimoine, outils et recherches” and the recently established “Museum and Democracy” Chair (Yaël Kreplak). It brings together Master’s students, doctoral researchers, and professionals in an international, interdisciplinary learning environment compatible with professional and academic commitments.
