International collaboration with the University of Ghana advances heritage research and teaching
Dr Maki Fukuoka has been leading the collaboration and coordinating engagement with partner institutions and collections
The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures recently welcomed Dr Mark Seyram Amenyo-Xa from the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies at the University of Ghana for a two-week visiting fellowship in January 2026, marking an important step in a developing international partnership in critical heritage and museum studies.
The collaboration began with an online meeting in 2025 to identify shared interests, followed by the hybrid workshop Restitution: A Ghana–UK dialogue. Discussions during the workshop highlighted the presence of Ghanaian objects in West Yorkshire collections and the potential for joint research to explore their histories and meanings. Subsequent conversations with curators at the York Army Museum, who are preparing the exhibition Object Journeys, created further opportunities to connect academic research with local museum practice, supported by International Strategic Fund (ISF) funding.
During his visit, Dr Amenyo-Xa joined colleagues at the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies (FAHACS) to explore collections at the York Army Museum, the Royal Armouries, the Leeds Discovery Centre, and the University of Leeds Special Collections. He also delivered a research talk and contributed to the networking event Heritage and the Global South, strengthening relationships across institutions and with external partners.
Dr Maki Fukuoka, who has been leading the collaboration and coordinating engagement with partner institutions and collections, said:
“This has been a generative and collaborative process that is helping us understand the real opportunities for sustainable partnership. Through shared research, teaching, and engagement with collections, we are building a foundation for long-term work that benefits our students, institutions, and partners in Ghana and the UK. Our next step is creating focused opportunities for co-learning in MA Art Gallery and Museum Studies programme at our School with MA students in the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies.”
