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
Cultural Protection Fund (British Council / DCMS)
The Cultural Protection Fund works to safeguard international cultural heritage at risk due to conflict and/or climate change, and to contribute to sustainable social stability and economic prosperity. It is led by the British Council in partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
British Institute For The Study Of Iraq (BISI)
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.
Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC)
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.
The Nahrein Network
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.
Our Partners
Basra Museum
A leading cultural institution in southern Iraq, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history and heritage of the region. The museum plays an active role in supporting initiatives that promote cultural awareness, research, and the protection of Iraq’s diverse historical legacy.
Shanashil Foundation / Al-Turath al-Sha’bi Journal
Shanashil Foundation is an independent NGO which forms the editorial board of Al-Turath al-Sha’bi, the anthropological journal of Iraqi folk culture, originally founded in 1963. The journal holds a rich archive of Iraqi cultural heritage, covering languages, songs, stories, craft traditions and skills from all Iraq’s communities.
Basra Centre for Manuscripts & Heritage
A specialized cultural center focused on the preservation and study of Iraqi folk heritage, manuscripts, and historical records. It contributes to safeguarding intangible and written heritage through research, documentation, and public engagement initiatives.
Basra Governorate
The regional governmental authority responsible for the administration and development of Basra. It supports initiatives that enhance infrastructure, cultural heritage, and community well-being, playing a key role in fostering sustainable development across the governorate.
University of Basra
One of Iraq’s leading academic institutions, contributing to education, research, and community development in southern Iraq. The university supports interdisciplinary collaboration and plays an important role in advancing studies related to heritage, environment, and regional development.
Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Antiquities
The governmental body responsible for preserving and promoting Iraq’s cultural heritage, tourism sector, and archaeological resources. It oversees national policies, conservation efforts, and initiatives to safeguard and celebrate the country’s rich historical legacy.
Ministry of Youth & Sport
The governmental institution responsible for supporting youth development, sports initiatives, and community engagement across Iraq. It promotes programs that empower young people, encourage cultural participation, and strengthen social and educational opportunities nationwide.
Iraqi Maritime Heritage Committee
The Iraqi Maritime Heritage Committee coordinates activities across the national network of Heritage Boat Clubs and their cooperation with other partners, creating opportunities for Iraqis to access, enjoy, protect, and take pride in the heritage of their waterways.
Iraqi Water Scouts Association
The Iraqi Water Scouts Association works in cooperation with local scout groups across Iraq to develop the Water Scouts curriculum, creating a national movement for young people to experience water culture, connect with peers along Iraq’s waterways, and build their capacity to engage with present and future challenges.
Water Museums Global Network
An international organization dedicated to promoting cultural exchange and understanding through innovative museum projects and digital platforms. It works to make cultural heritage accessible across borders by connecting institutions, collections, and audiences worldwide.
Museum With No Frontiers
An international network that brings together museums, institutions, and initiatives dedicated to water heritage. It promotes the protection, interpretation, and sustainable management of water cultures through collaboration,research, and global knowledge exchange.