International Council of Museums (ICOM)

Definition

The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is a global organization dedicated to the promotion and development of museums and museum professionals. Established in 1946, ICOM focuses on the ethical, scientific, and educational responsibilities of museums, fostering collaboration among its members to address controversies and ethical considerations in the museum sector. Its guidelines and standards help navigate complex issues related to cultural heritage, repatriation, and professional conduct.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ICOM consists of over 40,000 members from more than 140 countries, uniting professionals across various fields related to museums.
2. One of ICOM's key documents is the 'Code of Ethics for Museums,' which outlines standards for professional conduct and responsibilities regarding collections and communities.
3. ICOM actively addresses controversial issues like the repatriation of artifacts taken during colonial times, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and respect for source communities.
4. The organization hosts international conferences and workshops, providing a platform for discussing contemporary challenges faced by museums worldwide.
5. ICOM collaborates with other organizations, such as UNESCO, to promote the preservation and protection of cultural heritage on a global scale.

Review Questions

• How does ICOM address ethical considerations related to museum practices?
  • ICOM addresses ethical considerations by establishing guidelines such as the 'Code of Ethics for Museums,' which provides a framework for museum professionals to navigate moral dilemmas. This code emphasizes transparency, respect for cultural heritage, and accountability in collections management. By fostering international dialogue among its members, ICOM encourages best practices that uphold the integrity of museum work in relation to diverse communities.
• Discuss the role of ICOM in promoting responsible repatriation practices among its member institutions.
  • ICOM plays a vital role in promoting responsible repatriation practices by encouraging museums to acknowledge their ethical responsibilities towards source communities. Through guidelines and recommendations, ICOM emphasizes the importance of dialogue with Indigenous peoples and other stakeholders when considering repatriation claims. This commitment helps museums navigate the complexities of ownership and cultural significance while fostering relationships built on mutual respect.
• Evaluate the impact of ICOM's initiatives on the global museum community regarding controversies over cultural heritage.
  • ICOM's initiatives significantly impact the global museum community by providing a structured approach to addressing controversies over cultural heritage. By promoting ethical standards and facilitating discussions about issues like repatriation and provenance research, ICOM encourages museums to engage with the diverse perspectives surrounding these topics. This shift fosters greater accountability and inclusivity within the museum sector, leading to more equitable practices that acknowledge historical injustices and aim to rebuild trust with affected communities.

Related terms

Museum Ethics: A set of principles guiding museum professionals in making decisions that uphold integrity, transparency, and respect for cultural heritage.

Cultural Heritage: The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society inherited from past generations.

Repatriation: The process of returning cultural property or human remains to their country or community of origin.