International Council of Museums (ICOM)

Definition

The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is a global organization dedicated to promoting and supporting museums and museum professionals. It focuses on the development of best practices in conservation, sustainability, and education within the museum sector, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage preservation and responsible management of collections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ICOM was founded in 1946 and has grown to include over 37,000 members from more than 140 countries, making it one of the largest professional organizations in the museum sector.
2. The organization plays a crucial role in developing international standards and recommendations for museum practices, particularly in the areas of conservation and sustainability.
3. ICOM encourages museums to adopt sustainable practices by integrating environmental responsibility into their operations and educational programs.
4. Through its various committees and working groups, ICOM addresses specific challenges faced by museums, such as the need for effective disaster management plans for collections.
5. ICOM's efforts in conservation and sustainability support not only the preservation of cultural heritage but also foster community engagement and educational outreach.

Review Questions

• How does ICOM support museums in developing best practices for conservation?
  • ICOM supports museums by providing guidelines, resources, and training opportunities that help professionals enhance their conservation techniques. The organization promotes research and collaboration among museum experts worldwide to ensure that conservation methods are effective and sustainable. Through its network, ICOM disseminates information on new technologies and approaches that can improve preservation outcomes for cultural heritage.
• Discuss the relationship between ICOM's mission and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • ICOM's mission aligns closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on sustainable cities and communities, quality education, and responsible consumption. By promoting sustainable practices in museums, ICOM helps institutions reduce their environmental impact while enhancing community engagement through educational initiatives. This relationship underscores the role of museums as active participants in achieving broader global objectives related to sustainability and social responsibility.
• Evaluate the impact of ICOM's guidelines on museum ethics regarding cultural heritage preservation.
  • ICOM's guidelines on museum ethics have a profound impact on how institutions approach cultural heritage preservation. By establishing standards that prioritize transparency, respect for communities, and responsible stewardship of collections, ICOM helps museums navigate complex ethical dilemmas. This influence encourages museums to engage with local communities in meaningful ways, fostering trust and collaboration while ensuring that cultural heritage is preserved for future generations. The result is a more inclusive approach to heritage management that acknowledges diverse perspectives.

Related terms

Museum Ethics: A set of guidelines that govern the conduct of museums, ensuring that they operate in a manner that respects cultural heritage, promotes transparency, and engages with communities.

Cultural Heritage: The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society inherited from past generations, which ICOM works to protect and promote.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A collection of 17 global goals established by the United Nations to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges, which museums are encouraged to align their practices with to promote sustainability.