This archive report was first published on 7 September 2019.
September 7, 2019
The International Council of Museums (Icom) is holding its general conference in Kyoto, Japan, under the theme 'Museums as cultural hubs, the future of tradition.'
Located in the former capital of Japan, Kyoto is a city steeped in history and tradition, yet it seamlessly integrates technology into its daily life and cultural heritage.
The city's cultural sites, including Buddhist temples, shrines, gardens, and geisha districts, showcase impeccable order and meticulous conservation, with a focus on balancing tradition and innovation.
During the conference, Icom will discuss a proposed change in the definition of museums, which has sparked debate among its 44,000 members in 138 countries.
The new definition aims to address the limitations of traditional museums, which often focus on collecting and preserving artifacts without engaging with contemporary issues such as migration, social justice, and climate change.
Professionals in the museum sector recognize the need to adapt to the changing world and address the concerns of diverse populations, rather than simply displaying artifacts in glass cases.
The proposed definition has been met with resistance from some European nations, which claim that it may deny them government funding if it does not specifically mention education.
However, the new definition is seen as an opportunity to create a more inclusive and equitable approach to museum practice, one that acknowledges the complexities of colonialism and its ongoing impact on communities.
Whether the new definition is adopted or not, it is clear that the museum sector is at a crossroads, and the time has come to challenge Eurocentric traditions and embrace a more nuanced and inclusive approach to cultural heritage.
