Wardah Naeem Bukhari

Lahore College for Women University History Museum

ICOM No. 169516

Nominators: Fatemeh Ahmadi (Iran), Muhammad Abbas (Pakistan)

Biographical note

Dr. Wardah Naeem Bukhari is a distinguished art curator and educator. As Art Curator at Lahore College for Women University History Museum, where she contributed to the development of the permanent display, and part-time Curator at Fakir Khana Museum, she contributes to preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage. Her project at Fakir Khana Museum was selected for the 2025 ICOM Sustainable Development Award. She holds a Ph.D. in Fine Arts with a major in Art History, and is the youngest Ph.D. recipient in Fine Arts in Pakistan. Dr. Bukhari brings a unique blend of academic and art curatorial experience in museum and strategic planning in university museums. She’s contributed to the Oxford Companion to Pakistani Art and published over 15 articles in national and international journals. In 2016, she was invited to speak at the South Asian Women Collective in New York, making her an excellent candidate for the UMAC Board. Link to CV.

Qualifications for the position

As a dedicated museum professional with a strong background in art curation and education, I am confident in my qualifications for the position of Ordinary Member on the UMAC Board 2025-2028. With my experience as an art curator at the Lahore College for Women University History Museum and part-time curator at Fakir Khana Museum, I have developed a deep understanding of museum theory and practice. My academic credentials, including being the youngest Ph.D. recipient in Fine Arts with a specialization in Art History in Pakistan, have equipped me with a solid foundation in art historical research and analysis. Additionally, my experience as an Assistant Professor has honed my skills in teaching, research, and community engagement. Notably, one of my projects has been selected for the ICOM longlist for the Projects for Sustainable Development Award 2025, demonstrating my ability to conceptualize and execute innovative projects that contribute to the global museum community. Through my involvement in international conferences and collaborations, I have established a network of professionals in the field and developed a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing university museums and collections worldwide. I am excited to bring my expertise, passion, and fresh perspectives to the UMAC Board and contribute to shaping the future of university museums and collections globally.

Main goals of candidacy

I am applying for the position of Ordinary Member on the UMAC Board. As a candidate, my primary objectives are centered around leveraging my expertise and experience to contribute to the growth and development of university museums and collections globally, with a special focus on Pakistan’s unique needs. With my experience as an art curator at Lahore College for Women University History Museum and part-time curator at Fakir Khana Museum, I possess a deep understanding of museum practices and the importance of preserving cultural heritage in Pakistan. My vision aligns with UMAC’s mission to support and promote university museums worldwide. I aim to advance museum practices, support professional development, enhance global connectivity, and promote sustainability in university museums. In Pakistan’s context, I’d prioritize addressing the fragmented system, lack of strategic planning, and limited funding for university museums, while fostering collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to develop strategic plans and provide funding opportunities tailored to the needs of Pakistani university museums. A key challenge in Pakistan is the absence of art curation degree programs in universities, which hinders the growth of curatorial practices and museum education. To address this, I propose collaboration with the HEC to introduce curatorial studies programs, focusing on contemporary practices, history, theory, and practice. This would enable the development of professionally trained curators and contribute to the growth of museum education and research in Pakistan.

By achieving these goals, I aim to transform university museums in Pakistan into vibrant hubs for education, research, and cultural preservation, ultimately enhancing the quality of higher education and promoting socio-economic growth. As an Ordinary Member of the UMAC Board, I would work closely with members to learn from international best practices, adapting and applying them to the Pakistani context, and contribute to UMAC’s mission by sharing my expertise and experience. I’d focus on developing strategic plans, fostering collaboration and networking, promoting inclusive communication, and supporting capacity building initiatives that advance the development of university museums worldwide. Through my candidacy, I aim to not only contribute to the growth and development of university museums in Pakistan but also learn from the experiences and best practices of UMAC members, ultimately positioning Pakistani university museums as vibrant hubs for education, research, and cultural preservation that contribute to the global museum community.