INTERCOM Conference, Livingstone, Zambia.

Thanks to the School of Art History support I had the privilege of traveling to Livingstone,  Zambia to participate in the INTERCOM Conference on museum management, Museum Leadership in the 21st Century: Regional Challenges and Global Impacts.

As a mestizo woman from Mexico, visiting Africa was pivotal in positioning myself within the broader discourse of colonization and decolonization. This trip reinforced the understanding that colonization was not a monolithic experience but rather a collection of distinct processes shaped by the specific histories and contexts of different regions. Similarly, decolonization is neither a universal formula nor a one-size-fits-all solution—it is a deeply particular and personal process that requires contextual awareness and cultural sensitivity.

The conference itself focused on museum management, aligning closely with my research, which examines the gap between theory and practice in this field. I had the opportunity to engage with museum directors and professionals from across Africa, and Europe. Their insights into the challenges they face, and the innovative strategies employed were enlightening and directly relevant to my work and my previous experience as a museum director.

This exchange of ideas helped me reflect on my own practices and added depth to my understanding of how different cultural, economic, and historical circumstances shape museum operations.

The trip offered moments of reflection, cultural immersion, and personal growth that will remain with me forever. Being in Zambia strengthened my resolve to approach decolonization with the respect and understanding it demands, honouring the specificities of every context. This balance of personal enrichment and professional insight makes this trip one of the most significant experiences of my academic and personal journey.