Nestor Kahoun

Nestor Kahoun, a museum professional from Burkina Faso, is the Director of the Promotion of Museums for Burkina Faso. He also assists the General Director of Cultural Heritage in the Ministry of Culture Tourism and Communication. His position oversees the legal, administrative and technical development of the country’s museums and the implementation of laws relating to the creation of new museums. In addition, he accredits cultural properties destined for exportation.

Mr. Kahoun assists in the training of professionals from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Communication at the National School of Administration and Magistrature, in partnership with the “Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers.” He is a member of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Struggle Against Poverty in Burkina Faso. He is also affiliated with the International Council of Museums, the African Council of Museums and the West African Museums Programs.

Mr. Kahoun holds a Bachelor’s degree and a C2 (Certificate of University Fourth Year/Maitrise) in Applied Linguistics from the national University of Ouagadougou and a diploma of Museum Technicians from the National School of Administration and Magistrature of Burkina Faso. He also holds certificates from both the National Institute of Heritage and the Museum of Quai Branly of France and from the Islamic, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO/ Morocco).

During his Humphrey year, Mr. Kahoun intends to improve his understanding of museum education, administration, planning, and policy in the United States. He hopes to apply this knowledge to Burkina Faso’s museums. He is particularly interested in collections management, exhibition planning and organization, and in issues of display and interpretation. He will use his knowledge and experience to develop cultural programming and enhance both the museum experience and museum marketing in Burkina Faso.