International Council of Museums

Definition

The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is a global organization that aims to promote and support museums and museum professionals around the world. It plays a critical role in addressing issues related to cultural heritage, repatriation, and the ethical stewardship of cultural properties, making it a key player in discussions surrounding cultural property issues and the return of artifacts to their countries of origin.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ICOM was founded in 1946 and currently has over 40,000 members from more than 140 countries, making it one of the largest organizations dedicated to museums.
2. One of ICOM's main objectives is to set ethical standards for museums, guiding them in their practices related to collection management and cultural property.
3. ICOM also provides a platform for international collaboration among museum professionals, facilitating discussions on best practices for repatriation and cultural property issues.
4. The organization plays an important role in advocating for the protection of cultural heritage at risk due to conflict, climate change, and looting.
5. ICOM's Red Lists are published to raise awareness about endangered cultural heritage objects, aiding in their identification and promoting efforts for their return.

Review Questions

• How does the International Council of Museums contribute to the ethical management of cultural property?
  • The International Council of Museums contributes to the ethical management of cultural property by establishing guidelines and standards that museums should follow. These guidelines promote responsible practices in collecting, conserving, and exhibiting artifacts, ensuring that museum professionals consider the rights and cultural significance of objects. By advocating for ethical stewardship, ICOM encourages museums to engage with source communities regarding the provenance and repatriation of items.
• What role does ICOM play in facilitating discussions on repatriation among international museum professionals?
  • ICOM plays a crucial role in facilitating discussions on repatriation by providing a global forum where museum professionals can share experiences, challenges, and best practices. Through conferences, workshops, and publications, ICOM fosters dialogue about the complexities of returning cultural property to its rightful owners. This collaborative environment helps build consensus on ethical practices related to repatriation while addressing legal and political considerations.
• Evaluate the impact of ICOM's initiatives on global attitudes towards cultural heritage preservation and repatriation efforts.
  • ICOM's initiatives significantly impact global attitudes toward cultural heritage preservation and repatriation efforts by raising awareness about the importance of protecting cultural heritage. Through advocacy campaigns and partnerships with various stakeholders, ICOM influences policymakers, museums, and communities to prioritize ethical considerations when dealing with cultural properties. As a result, there is a growing recognition of the need for collaborative approaches that respect the rights of originating communities while promoting shared responsibility in safeguarding our collective heritage.

Related terms

Cultural Heritage: The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes inherited from past generations, which includes monuments, artworks, and traditions.

Repatriation: The process of returning cultural property to its country of origin or the original community from which it was taken.

Ethical Stewardship: The responsible management and care for cultural properties, ensuring that they are preserved and utilized in ways that respect their significance and the rights of originating communities.