Etta Ojang Ivan is Deputy Director of the National Museum of Cameroon, Senior Youth and Action Counselor, and an expert in regional integration and public institution management.
He graduated from the Institute of International Relations of Cameroon with a degree in International Relations. He holds a PhD and specialises in public policy management and evaluation.
Previously, he served as Deputy Director for Entertainment and Development for Technical Facilities and Equipment at the Ministry of Culture and Arts of Cameroon.
In your view, how can BRICS countries involve African nations in joint projects aimed at preserving tangible and intangible heritage?
Collaborative projects are crucial for the preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage. It’s very important in the African context because we don’t separate the tangible from the intangible. In fact, the intangible is within the tangible. So tangible objects or cultural elements are supports for intangible cultural heritage. And so through these collaborations, which would probably bring together cultural experts, community engagement, and other experts in the cultural heritage field, it will be a great idea for African countries to benefit specifically in resolving some of the challenges that they face.
We will bring together also professionals with diverse expertise, such as archaeologists, architecture, and we also have to preserve our traditional or local architecture. And we also believe through this collaboration we can empower professionals who work in the cultural fields.
The decision to create the BRICS Alliance of Art Museums and Galleries in 2017 aimed to enhance cultural exchange and cooperation. In your opinion, how could expanding this model to include other African countries and their museums be beneficial?
We understand that this alliance offers several benefits, including strengthening international art exchange, fostering mutual understanding among the BRICS nations. In my opinion, other African countries will benefit greatly by being part of this alliance. Many African artists, especially young artists, don’t have opportunities to expose their savoir-faire, their know-how and their works. This platform will create room for exposure of African arts and African artists. We also think it will facilitate maybe cultural exchange for African arts and this collaboration on art exhibitions and other initiatives. The alliance will build stronger relations and friendships among the BRICS countries and the African countries.
What opportunities do you foresee for the National Museum of Cameroon within cultural cooperation frameworks involving BRICS countries and other global South Nations?
The National Museum is a young institution and it was officially giving life an organizational text by the government of Cameroon in 2014. So legally, the National Museum has been operating for about 11 years. But prior to this, the National Museum has been opening temporarily.
So we used to open when we have maybe major events, international summits, and then we close up the museum. And so this collaboration, partnership, opportunities for the National Museum, which is the possibility to collaborate with countries that have maybe the same view of things, it’s an additional advantage to the National Museum.
You are collaborating with the Museum of the Orient, which this year is presenting a major African project consisting of three exhibitions developed jointly with the National Museum of Cameroon. What are the main goals and significance of this partnership for your museum?
The National Museum is proud to participate in this project. We were deeply impressed when staff from the State Museum of the Orient came to Cameroon and proposed collaboration. We had long sought to establish partnerships with some African museums, and now we have partners beyond the continent – museums in Russia. The enthusiasm with which the State Museum of the Orient embraced the idea of working together is inspiring. This opens unique opportunities for Cameroonian art in Russia, allowing Russians to learn more about our culture. We also plan to organise exhibitions of Russian art in Cameroon. Such initiatives strengthen mutual understanding between our peoples, develop cultural ties, and promote the exchange of experience in museum work.
Major events for museum professionals are taking place in Moscow. How do you assess the role of such international forums in promoting African art and strengthening cultural cooperation?
The museum environment is constantly evolving; it never stands still. We believe that if a museum stops learning and innovating, it loses vitality. The National Museum of Cameroon strives to research, educate and exhibit artistic and scientific works related to our culture. Participation in training sessions and seminars for museum professionals is extremely valuable. Such events allow us to stay informed about modern trends, learn new approaches to museum management, and implement digital technologies in exhibition organisation.
At the second Russia–Africa Summit, a proposal was made to establish a Museum of African Cultures in Moscow – the first institution outside Africa fully dedicated to the continent. What potential does this project hold for Cameroon and other African countries?
This is a wonderful project because the museum will become, in a sense, a branch of African museums in Russia. It will not only introduce Russians to African culture but also benefit Africans born in Russia who know little about their heritage. Through the museum’s exhibitions, they will be able to connect with Africa. For Russians, it is a unique opportunity to learn more about the continent. The value of this project is immeasurable.
In December 2024, the Russia–Africa teleconference connected Moscow, Ouagadougou and Yaounde. How effective are such interactive formats for promoting African art and developing museum networks?
International forums play an important role in promoting art, particularly African art. They strengthen cultural ties between nations – in this case, between African countries and Russia. Your country’s openness to cooperation with Africa allows Russians and Africans to understand each other better. Our collaboration is built on equality and mutual benefit. Moreover, such events support local artists. It is important for African countries to make use of and further develop the opportunities that Russia offers.
Modern museums often help shape a global image and serve as platforms for cultural dialogue. How can the National Museum of Cameroon use this role to strengthen international understanding and cooperation?
Contemporary exhibitions open new opportunities for the National Museum of Cameroon, whose mission is to promote the country’s culture and foster national unity. Each exhibition combines elements of traditional and modern art, helping to bridge generational differences. This approach encourages harmonious interaction between different eras and styles. The museum also organises temporary exhibitions with other institutions, which raises Cameroon’s international profile and supports local contemporary artists, strengthening ties with organisations engaged in exhibition work within the country.
We have no issues with contemporary art – quite the opposite. Some of our exhibitions are entirely dedicated to it. Through art, we aim to reflect the spirit and nature of Cameroon, giving artists the opportunity to express their vision of the country.
What scientific and educational programmes and initiatives does the National Museum of Cameroon carry out, particularly for young people and professionals?
As I mentioned earlier, one of the museum’s key missions is education and support for scientific research. Each summer, we run a six-week programme called “Artistic and Cultural Holidays for Youth,” which involves children and teenagers aged 3 to 16. Participants are introduced to Cameroonian art and culture. Children learn sculpture, poetry, painting, traditional music and the playing of folk instruments. We also hold dance, theatre and graphic arts workshops. In addition, the museum organises open days for school pupils, during which we present Cameroon’s cultural regions and introduce visitors to the country’s traditions and customs.
For professionals, we usually hold short-term training courses on topics such as cataloguing museum collections, organising exhibitions and managing artefacts. On the last Wednesday of every month, we host conferences where current museum-related issues are discussed. These events promote knowledge exchange and help popularise cultural heritage.
Watch the full version of the interview here.
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