Acknowledgements -

Acknowledgements

The founders of the Open Museum Initiative for Water Cultures (OMI) firstly wish to honour the makers and communities who have preserved traditional boatbuilding and water cultures, and who have generously shared their knowledge, skills, and spirit to enable this heritage to be passed on for future generations.

Secondly, we acknowledge the dedicated efforts of the Safina Projects team and all collaborators since 2016 whose work has contributed to revitalising traditional Iraqi boatbuilding and water cultures and learning from this heritage.

We thank Basra Museum as an essential partner in the development of OMI, as host of the Open Museum Basra project site (ongoing) and the Maritime Heritage Gallery (2024-25, currently undergoing relocation) and as partner in OMI’s programme of ethnoarchaeological workshops and studies. Shanashil Foundation for Humanitarian Heritage Revival, and al-Turath al-Sha’bi journal are invaluable partners in OMI’s research and publishing programme.

The Open Museum Basra was launched (initially as the Material Cultural Heritage Lab) in 2021-22, thanks to the kind support of the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund in partnership with DCMS. Its collection was brought together from workshops and studies by artist-researcher Rashad Salim (from 2016) and Safina Projects (founded 2017), supported by many kind contributors including Ruya Foundation, Makiya Kufa Charity, Nahrein Network, AFAC, ACSS, Community Jameel, and ALIPH Foundation as well a series of grants from the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund.

We thank the hosts and partners of local exhibitions at other sites, including Basra Centre for Manuscripts and Heritage, Diwaniya Memory Archive, Paia Agency and Waterkeepers Iraq-Kurdistan, for their initiative and collaboration in sharing and promoting knowledge of Iraq’s water heritage.

Our Funders

British Council

The British Council is the United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities. It supports English language learning, arts and culture, education programs, and global collaboration to build connections and mutual understanding between the UK and other countries.

BISI (British Institute For The Study Of Iraq)

The British Institute for the Study of Iraq (BISI) is a leading research organization dedicated to the history, culture, and archaeology of Iraq. It supports academic research, fieldwork, publications, and cultural heritage projects, helping to promote a deeper understanding of Iraq’s rich and diverse past.

ALIPH

ALIPH (The International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas) is a global foundation dedicated to protecting and restoring cultural heritage threatened by conflict or disaster. It supports projects that safeguard monuments, museums, collections, and historic sites to ensure their preservation for future generations.

Community Jameel

Community Jameel is a global philanthropic organization that supports education, research, and innovation to help communities thrive. It invests in initiatives that advance science and technology, promote creative and cultural development, and improve lives through sustainable solutions.

(AFAC) ARAB FUND FOR ARTS AND CULTURE

The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) is an independent foundation, established in 2007, that supports artists, writers, researchers, and cultural organizations across the Arab region. Based in Beirut, AFAC works to strengthen arts and culture through grants, programs, and collaborations in fields such as cinema, music, visual arts, documentary film, photography, and creative writing. Through its initiatives, AFAC helps nurture artistic expression and cultural exchange.

RUYA FOUNDATION

Ruya Foundation is an Iraqi non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and enriching contemporary culture in Iraq while building meaningful cultural bridges with the world. Founded in 2012, the foundation promotes Iraqi artists and creative initiatives through exhibitions, commissions, and international collaborations, helping connect local cultural voices with wider global audiences.

(ACSS) Arab Council for the Social Sciences

The Arab Council for the Social Sciences (ACSS) is an independent regional organization that supports research in the social sciences across the Arab world. It provides funding, training, and networking opportunities for researchers and works to promote high-quality knowledge about the social, cultural, and economic issues shaping the region.

MAKIYA KUFA CHARITY

Makiya Kufa Charity is a UK-based charitable organization dedicated to advancing public education and cultural appreciation of Arab and Islamic heritage, with a particular focus on architecture, visual arts, music, and literature. Through lectures, exhibitions, grants, and sponsorship, the charity supports cultural dialogue and helps preserve and promote the artistic and intellectual legacy of the Arab world, including Iraq.