Museum Day Keynote Speaker

Ms Prins-Solani (right)

Deirdre Prins-Solani is a passionate educator, believing that education — in particular, heritage education — can play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of individuals and communities in a very effective and real way. She believes that whilst museums and heritage sites have in the past been owned, managed and catered for the privileged in society, those days have past. With a new generation of heritage professionals who understand and believe in community development, the heritage landscape is changing. Having trained museum educators from across the African continent and having published and presented numerous papers, she believes that she has a role to play in the deepening of society’s understanding of heritage and its value.

She has re-introduced an arts programme at the Robben Island Museum after a few years of dormancy. The programme has hosted a number of artists, including Paul Stopforth, Artscape Dancers and Brouhaha, Thupelo, etc. She believes that art and culture play a critical role in building society and that collaborative ventures between artists in Africa catalyse a culture of debate and the generation of new insight and knowledge.

Ms Prins-Solani has degrees and diplomas in Education and Training at both secondary school and adult learner level, as well being a graduate of the Commerce Faculty at UCT. She is currently registered to complete a master's degree in Literacy Studies.

She was a finalist in the prestigious South African National Shoprite/Checkers/SABC Women of the Year award in the category of Education in 2003. This honour was bestowed on her due to the impact the educational work of the Robben Island Museum has achieved in the past seven years, with her as the leader. She currently holds the position of President of the International Council of African Museums (AFRICOM).