Announcement forICOM Europe Tour 2008 
Museum Tour and Conference
“Between the Old and the New Europe”
September 28 – October 5, 2008Venues: Tirana, Korce, Ohrid, Bitola, Vergina, Thessaloniki and Istanbul
 
In cooperation with ICOM Albania, ICOM Macedonia (FYR), ICOM Greece and ICOM Germany 
 
The rich European heritage in the region between the Adriatic See and the Bosporus, in Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Greece and Turkey is the central aspect of ICOM Europe’s tour 2008. The prevailance of Muslim/Ottoman traditions, the cultural relics of the Greek, Roman and Bycentine periods and the traces of Jewish life and culture make this area a unique place to explore cultural diversity up to modern times.       
 
By visiting major cities and sites in the region the museum tour and conference will enable participants to compare the efforts made by museums in Tirana, Korce (Museum of Medieval Art), Ohrid (National Museum of Macedonia), Bitola (several different historical sites), Vergina (Tomb of Philipp II), Thessaloniki (Museum of Byzentine Culture and others) and Istanbul (private and public museums) to preserve, rebuild or establish collections and exhibitions that reflect the following basic aspects: 1. National and European Identities 2. The Representation of Minorities 3. The Revitalisation of Cultural and Natural Heritage 4. Cultural Diversity and Understanding. 
 
The main intention of the tour is  
 
·         to foster crossborder relationships between the countries participating 
·         to provide insight into problems and necessary immediate action in museums
·         to strengthen the museums in the region 
·         to improve international relationships among European countries and museums
·         to create and support networks of museums
·         to build up trust between museums
      
ICOM Europe believes that the ICOM Europe Tour 2008 is a unique project to foster mobility of museum professionals in Europe. This corresponds with the strategic plan of ICOM and also with the Activity Plan of the European Council, that intends to foster networking and to build up trust. Mobility of personal has become one of the key elements in cultural policy today. We are convinced that the tour and conference meets the modern requirements of museum management and will contribute to the development of museums as major cultural institutions in Europe. 
 
Programme 
A detailed programme and the itinerary of the tour shall be available by June. See:  www.icom-europe.org. 
 
Registration 
To register for the ICOM Europe Tour 2008 please contact Mr. Udo Goesswald [log in to unmask] The registration fee is 120 Euros (80 Euros for students). After registering you will receive information about accommodatio