The British Museum International Training Programme: Celebrating Twenty Years of Global Impact
Written by Astghik Marabyan, Head of Department of Culture Heritage, Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports- Armenia (Armenia, ITP 2017)
In today’s increasingly globalized world, few things have proven more valuable than the professional network of people we build along the way. They provide not only a sense of belonging to a global professional community, but also open a window onto the diversity and richness of our world through the exchange of knowledge, experience, and perspectives.
One such remarkable network is the British Museum International Training Programme, which serves as a global hub for museum professionals. Beyond offering training and professional development, it fosters lasting connections, builds confidence, and nurtures a vibrant international community dedicated to the protection, interpretation, and promotion of cultural heritage.
My journey with the International Training Programme began in 2017, and over the past decade it has brought significant and rewarding developments in my professional life, including continued engagement through its legacy projects. In 2019 and 2026, I participated in the Museums Association (2019) and ICOM UK Annual (2026) Conferences respectively, which further broadened my perspective and provided valuable opportunities for professional exchange within the wider museum community.
In this blog post, however, I would also like to reflect on the impact of the ITP beyond my own personal experience and highlight its broader institutional and global significance. It is a living network that continues to grow both geographically and in numbers. More importantly, it continues to strengthen its professional and academic standing through the expertise and collaboration of its members, making it a truly valuable platform for international exchange and mutual learning.
With more than 400 participants from 65 countries, the programme has become a structural pillar within the museum sector. Its participants act as agents of change, and through continuous exchange and collaboration, its impact is multiplied across institutions and regions worldwide. What makes the ITP unique is that it goes far beyond the transfer of knowledge. Rather, it cultivates expertise that is adapted, shared, and transformed within different local contexts. In doing so, it empowers professionals to rethink practices, inspire innovation, and contribute to institutional and sector-wide transformation.
As the British Museum International Training Programme approaches its 20th anniversary, it has grown into a truly global community whose success is a testament not only to the institution itself but, above all, to the dedication of the people behind it. In particular, I would like to acknowledge Claire Messenger, the Manager of the Programme, whose commitment, warmth, and unwavering support have made her the heart and driving force of the Programme. Her ability to bring people together and nurture this remarkable network has been instrumental in its enduring success. This is not simply an observation—it is lived experience.
Looking back, I can clearly see how profoundly the Programme has shaped both my professional and academic journey. Today, as I pursue a Master’s degree in International Relations with International Law at the University of Kent, focusing on the relationship between the protection of cultural heritage and the advancement of human rights, I often find myself drawing on the perspectives and values that the Programme helped cultivate. Beyond broadening my understanding of museums and cultural heritage, it has fundamentally influenced the way I think about international cooperation, cultural diplomacy, and the role of heritage in building more inclusive, resilient, and interconnected societies.
This August, I had the privilege of returning to the British Museum to take part in the Programme’s 20th anniversary celebrations. I am truly enjoyed reconnecting with fellow alumni, reflecting on the journeys we have each taken since our first encounter through the Programme, and celebrating a network that continues to inspire, connect, and transform museum professionals around the world. Each return to the British Museum is accompanied by a very special feeling. It is more than revisiting a familiar place—it is a reminder that you are part of a global community bound by shared values and a common commitment to cultural heritage. There is a genuine sense of belonging that extends far beyond the walls of the Museum.
