Dear ICOM Member,

The ICOM Secretariat and myself have great pleasure in presenting the first
issue of ICOM News of 2002. I hope that the new format, which includes
redesigned graphics, will be friendlier and easier to read, and set off the
articles we select for you to greater advantage.

While the new-style ICOM News contains all the rubrics which featured in the
previous format, under different names, you will also find several new
rubrics.

Each issue will begin with an Editorial which gives the keynote and explains
how ICOM's general policy relates to topical issues in the world of culture.
The 'Focus' section will address an issue affecting the museums community in
tandem with a version for the ICOM Web site.

Many of the world's museums continue to operate in conditions of great
hardship. The 'Solidarity' section of ICOM News will provide a designated
space in which ICOM can appeal to members on behalf of their fellow museums
and report on how the organisation and its committees are supporting
colleagues in difficulty.

Finally, in line with ICOM's policy on thefts and looting of cultural
heritage, the back outside cover of each issue, which previously featured a
selection of stolen objects, will now focus on a particular type of
endangered heritage.

In designing the new format, we have of course endeavoured to improve the
quality of the publication without adding to its production costs. Like its
predecessor, the new-style ICOM News will be circulated free of charge to
all ICOM members.

We continue to welcome any suggestions and comments you may have as to how
the newsletter could be improved, and how the bond which ICOM News creates
between all ICOM members can further be strengthened.


Yours sincerely,




Jacques Perot
President of ICOM


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