International Council of Museums (ICOM)

Definition

The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is a global organization dedicated to promoting and protecting cultural heritage through museums and the museum profession. It serves as a key platform for museums worldwide to share knowledge, establish ethical standards, and foster collaboration, particularly in the context of cultural heritage laws and ethical considerations regarding art transactions and ownership.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ICOM was founded in 1946 and now has over 37,000 members from more than 140 countries, making it one of the largest professional organizations in the museum sector.
2. The organization establishes ethical guidelines for museums, which emphasize the importance of transparency, accountability, and respect for cultural diversity.
3. ICOM actively participates in international discussions about the repatriation of cultural artifacts, encouraging member institutions to address issues surrounding ownership and provenance.
4. It organizes various conferences, workshops, and training programs to enhance the skills of museum professionals and promote best practices in museum management and ethics.
5. ICOM's Code of Ethics serves as a reference for museums worldwide to ensure responsible handling, display, and conservation of cultural heritage.

Review Questions

• How does ICOM influence the establishment of ethical standards in museums worldwide?
  • ICOM influences ethical standards by providing guidelines that address the responsibilities of museums regarding cultural heritage. These guidelines emphasize transparency in acquisitions, respect for cultural diversity, and the need to address historical injustices related to ownership. By establishing a universal Code of Ethics, ICOM encourages museums globally to adopt these principles, promoting accountability and ethical practices in managing cultural collections.
• In what ways does ICOM support the restitution of cultural property, and why is this significant?
  • ICOM supports restitution by engaging in dialogue with museums, governments, and cultural organizations about the return of cultural artifacts to their countries of origin. This involvement is significant because it acknowledges historical injustices related to colonialism and looting while fostering a sense of responsibility among museums to rectify past wrongs. By advocating for restitution, ICOM helps shape policies that recognize the importance of returning cultural heritage to its rightful owners.
• Evaluate the role of ICOM in shaping the conversation around cultural heritage laws in the international art trade.
  • ICOM plays a pivotal role in shaping conversations around cultural heritage laws by serving as a platform for museum professionals to discuss legal frameworks impacting the art trade. Through its publications, conferences, and advocacy efforts, ICOM brings attention to issues such as provenance research and compliance with national and international regulations. The organization's influence encourages museums to prioritize ethical considerations when acquiring artworks and ensures they contribute positively to discussions surrounding legal protections for cultural heritage.

Related terms

Cultural Heritage: The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes inherited from past generations, which is preserved and passed on to future generations.

Provenance: The history of ownership of a particular item, which is crucial in establishing its authenticity and legality within art transactions.

Restitution: The return of cultural property to its country of origin or rightful owners, often driven by ethical considerations and international agreements.