How Louvre Abu Dhabi’s ‘Take Over the Museum’ Programme Inspired University Students

In an ambitious initiative to engage the next generation of creatives, Louvre Abu Dhabi launched its inaugural ‘Take Over the Museum’ programme. Presented at the MuseumNext Digital Learning Summit by Sarah Louise Nunn and Arwa Al Salami, this pioneering initiative invited university students from across the UAE to step into the role of museum professionals, answering the profound question: ‘What does it mean to be human?’

A Platform for Young Voices

Recognising a gap in opportunities for university students to contribute to museum programming, Louvre Abu Dhabi developed ‘Take Over the Museum’ as a platform for students to collaborate with museum professionals, explore curatorial practices, and express their creativity. The programme was designed to empower participants to develop artistic and digital interventions that would resonate with diverse audiences, both locally and globally.

Seven Digital Interventions

Out of 20 proposals submitted by students from institutions such as Zayed University, UAE University, and NYU Abu Dhabi, seven standout digital interventions were selected. Each project offered a unique response to the challenge question and showcased the students’ creativity and technical prowess.

Key Highlights from the Programme:

• AI-Generated Art: Students explored the evolving relationship between human creativity and artificial intelligence, posing questions about collaboration and competition between AI and traditional artistic expression.
• Interactive Media Installation: Visitors were encouraged to actively participate in the creation of digital artworks, fostering a sense of collective creativity and shared humanity.
• Audio Art Installation: A deeply moving installation highlighted the voices of women, with honest conversations exploring themes of sacrifice, tradition, and identity.

Bridging the Gap Between Education and Practice

The ‘Take Over the Museum’ initiative was not only about presenting final artworks but also about providing students with invaluable professional experience. Participants engaged in training sessions with museum educators, IT specialists, and event managers, gaining insight into the complexities of museum operations.

From refining their concepts to ensuring accessibility and adhering to institutional guidelines, students navigated the challenges of bringing their creative visions to life within a professional framework.

Meaningful Engagement with Audiences

During the takeover weekends, visitors to Louvre Abu Dhabi experienced a rich array of creative interventions. From dance performances under the iconic dome to thought-provoking interactive installations, each project offered a fresh perspective on the museum’s collection and its architectural spaces.

One particularly striking installation, ‘Everybody is an Artist,’ invited museum-goers to contribute their own artistic expressions to a digital canvas, highlighting the universal human desire to create.

A Lasting Impact

The success of the first ‘Take Over the Museum’ season demonstrates the potential of such initiatives to bridge the gap between education and cultural institutions. For the students, it was an opportunity to develop their professional practice, while for Louvre Abu Dhabi, it represented a chance to connect with new audiences and inspire future generations.

Looking ahead, the programme will continue to evolve, with the second season challenging students to respond to the theme of sustainability and explore the intangible connections between art, culture, and humanity.

Louvre Abu Dhabi’s ‘Take Over the Museum’ is more than just a programme—it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and the enduring human quest for meaning through art.

For museum professionals seeking innovative ways to engage young audiences and foster creative talent, Louvre Abu Dhabi’s initiative serves as an inspiring blueprint for future programmes worldwide.