International Council of Museums (ICOM)

Definition

The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is a global organization dedicated to promoting and supporting museums and their role in society. It aims to foster international cooperation among museums and professionals, while setting ethical standards for museum practices and advocating for the preservation of cultural heritage worldwide.

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 for museum professionals worldwide.
2. The organization promotes the importance of museums in fostering education, research, and cultural understanding across different societies.
3. ICOM is responsible for developing international standards and guidelines that govern museum practices, which help ensure ethical stewardship of collections.
4. Through its various committees and networks, ICOM addresses contemporary issues such as repatriation, the impact of globalization on cultural heritage, and the role of museums in social justice.
5. ICOM hosts a biennial General Conference where members from around the world gather to discuss relevant issues facing the museum sector and share best practices.

Review Questions

• How does ICOM contribute to the global understanding and importance of museums in society?
  • ICOM plays a crucial role in enhancing the global understanding of museums by promoting their educational and cultural functions. By fostering international cooperation and providing ethical guidelines, ICOM helps museums serve as platforms for dialogue, cultural exchange, and community engagement. This approach not only elevates the significance of museums but also reinforces their position as essential institutions in fostering cultural identity and heritage preservation.
• What are some key ethical standards established by ICOM that influence museum practices globally?
  • ICOM has established a set of ethical standards that guide museum practices, which include principles like transparency in collection management, respect for cultural property rights, and commitment to preservation. These standards emphasize accountability to communities served by museums, ensuring that curatorial decisions consider diverse perspectives. By adhering to these ethical guidelines, museums can build trust with audiences while actively engaging in responsible stewardship of their collections.
• Evaluate how ICOM's initiatives address contemporary issues related to cultural heritage preservation and museum ethics.
  • ICOM's initiatives directly address contemporary issues such as illicit trafficking of cultural property and the need for ethical practices in collection management. Through its Red Lists, ICOM raises awareness about endangered artifacts at risk of illegal trade, helping to prevent their loss. Additionally, ICOM advocates for repatriation efforts and emphasizes the importance of collaboration with source communities. By addressing these pressing concerns, ICOM not only promotes ethical museum practices but also reinforces its role as a leader in cultural heritage preservation on a global scale.

Related terms

Cultural Heritage: Cultural heritage refers to the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society, inherited from past generations.

Museum Ethics: Museum ethics are the guidelines that govern the professional conduct of museum staff, focusing on the care, preservation, and presentation of collections.

ICOM Red Lists: ICOM Red Lists are specialized tools designed to help in the prevention of illicit trafficking of cultural property by raising awareness about endangered cultural heritage.