Wayne Modest

Wayne Modest is a Professor of Material Culture and Critical Heritage Studies at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. His work focuses on material and visual culture, ethnographic museums, heritage, and postcolonial histories. He leads projects like 'Taking Care' and collaborates with institutions across Europe and the Caribbean.

• PhD from University of the West Indies (Cultural Studies)
• Research interests include colonialism, migration, race, and care in cultural institutions

Recent projects address Dutch colonial heritage, decolonizing museum practices, and transnational memory. He contributes to journals like Small Axe and co-edits volumes on colonial pasts. Advises PhD candidates in heritage studies and colonial entanglements.

Teaches courses on public history, decolonization, and curating. Serves on editorial boards and museum ethics committees, advocating for inclusive cultural narratives.