International Council of Museums

Definition

The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is a global organization dedicated to promoting the understanding and preservation of cultural heritage through museums and museum professionals. It serves as a forum for discussion on best practices, ethical standards, and policies regarding museum management, collections, and cultural property, particularly in the context of repatriation debates where countries seek to reclaim artifacts taken during colonial times or conflicts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ICOM was founded in 1946 and has grown to include thousands of members from various countries around the world, making it a significant voice in the museum sector.
2. One of ICOM's main objectives is to establish ethical guidelines for museums regarding the acquisition and ownership of collections, especially concerning contested items.
3. The organization actively advocates for the repatriation of cultural property to source nations, emphasizing the importance of cultural rights and heritage preservation.
4. ICOM also organizes international conferences and publications to share knowledge and foster collaboration among museum professionals globally.
5. Through its various committees and working groups, ICOM addresses current issues affecting museums, including climate change impacts on collections and the importance of diversity in representation.

Review Questions

• How does ICOM facilitate discussions on repatriation among its global members?
  • ICOM provides a platform for museum professionals to engage in meaningful discussions about repatriation by hosting international conferences and workshops. These gatherings encourage dialogue on best practices for returning cultural property to its rightful owners while addressing legal, ethical, and logistical challenges. By promoting these conversations, ICOM helps raise awareness about the importance of respecting cultural heritage and the rights of source communities.
• Evaluate the impact of ICOM's ethical guidelines on museum practices worldwide regarding contested cultural property.
  • ICOM's ethical guidelines have significantly influenced how museums approach the acquisition and display of contested cultural property. By establishing clear standards for ethical practices, ICOM encourages institutions to critically assess their collections' provenance and to consider repatriation requests seriously. This has led many museums to reevaluate their policies and engage in more transparent dialogues with source communities about potentially returning artifacts that were acquired under dubious circumstances.
• Synthesize the role of ICOM in shaping contemporary discussions on cultural heritage conservation amid globalization.
  • ICOM plays a pivotal role in shaping contemporary discussions on cultural heritage conservation by advocating for ethical practices that address the complexities of globalization. As museums become increasingly interconnected through global networks, ICOM promotes collaboration among professionals from diverse backgrounds to address challenges such as cultural appropriation and environmental sustainability. By fostering this international cooperation, ICOM helps ensure that cultural heritage is preserved responsibly while respecting the rights and identities of all communities involved.

Related terms

Repatriation: The process of returning cultural property or human remains to their country or community of origin, often a key issue in debates surrounding cultural heritage.

Cultural Heritage: The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes inherited from past generations, which includes monuments, sites, collections, and traditions important to a community's identity.

Museology: The study of museums, their history, and the role they play in society, including the acquisition, conservation, and exhibition of cultural artifacts.