National Museums Liverpool (NML) and the University of Liverpool are pleased to announce that Dr Richard Benjamin, currently on a two-year secondment in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures (SHLC) as a Visiting Professor in Slavery & Public Engagement, will be moving into a new role from September as Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Museum Practice.
Richard will work closely with colleagues across NML and lead on developing research projects with a focus on slavery, public engagement, and decolonisation, and on specific elements of the Waterfront Transformation Project, such as the proposed Research Lab located in the Dr Martin Luther King. Jr Building. He will continue as Co-Director of the Centre for the Study of International Slavery (CSIS), enabling new research possibilities and collaborations between NML, the University of Liverpool, community partners and the wider academic and museum sectors.
In his academic role, he will continue working on innovative research in fields such as Black museology, Black Cultural spaces, and decolonial methodologies within museums and archives.
Richard said: “It has been an absolute privilege to head the International Slavery Museum since its opening in 2007. I have been fortunate to work with such committed and talented curators and professionals across NML and forge long-lasting collaborations and friendships, particularly with members of the Liverpool Black community, without whom ISM would not be the success it is.
“I look forward to working with colleagues at NML in new and innovative ways, getting involved in the Waterfront Transformation Project, developing my research interests within the School of History, Languages and Cultures and building new relationships there. I would like to thank NML and UoL for the opportunity, and I am excited at being involved in a new capacity in the next phase of ISM’s journey. One of the most important and influential museums in the world.”
Janet Dugdale, Executive Director of Museums & Participation at National Museums Liverpool, said: “Richard joined NML in 2006 and soon became our first Head of International Slavery Museum. He was instrumental in delivering the outstanding museum we have today and played an integral role in developing ambitious plans for the venue as part of the Waterfront Transformation Project.
“International Slavery Museum is world-renowned for its role in highlighting the impact of slavery historically and in its current forms. Its visibility and reputation as a globally important museum is down to the impact of Richard’s hard work in making it so. We wish him the very best of luck in his role with the University of Liverpool and I look forward to continuing to work with him on our projects.”
The Waterfront Transformation Project will link storytelling, heritage, community and hospitality to create a rich visitor experience and will be a catalyst for social and environmental improvements in the area. For more information, visit www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/waterfront-transformation-project