AAM released the press statement below early this morning:
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:  Jason Hall
202/289-9125

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF MUSEUMS ISSUES STATEMENT ON BROOKLYN MUSEUM OF ART'S
CONTROVERSIAL EXHIBITION

Washington, DC (September 29, 1999): Following recent events involving the
Brooklyn Museum of Art's (BMA) exhibition Sensation: Young British Artists
from the Saatchi Collection, Edward H. Able, Jr., President and CEO of the
American Association of Museums, made the following statement:

"Mayor Giuliani has a record of strong and steady support for New York's
renowned cultural institutions, particularly its world-class museums. He has
shown in the past that he understands the importance of these institutions
to the quality of life and to the financial well-being of one of the world's
great cities. His position on this matter, therefore, is distressing.

"In the recent past, attempts have been made to restrict the content of
exhibitions at museums of all kinds, including history, natural history, art
and others. When material is controversial, challenging and even offensive
to some visitors, such attempts can be expected. But the fact is this: time
and again, the American public has supported the right of its museums freely
to present information and experiences that reflect a true diversity of
culture, ideas and perspectives. Museums have a responsibility to preserve
our past and enlighten our present, often advancing new and challenging
interpretations of art, history and science. To restrict a museum's ability
to do so strikes at the heart of its mission of service to the community and
its role in helping people understand and value who they are, where they
came from, and where they are going.

 "In the increasingly acrimonious debate over this particular exhibition,
one important fact is being ignored by the press and public figures. The
Brooklyn Museum of Art is an outstanding institution that has earned the
trust and respect of generations of visitors. It has served its community
since 1823. Of particular note is that BMA is accredited by the American
Association of Museums. Only 10 percent of museums in the country are so
honored, a distinction earned by an institution that performs on all levels
according to the highest professional standards and practices, and fulfills
its obligations to its community and its many publics. The Brooklyn Museum
of Art deserves the mayor's continuing support for its decades of excellence
and its vital contribution to the lives of the citizens of New York and the
world."

The American Association of Museums is the national association representing
the concerns of the museum community. AAM assesses museum programs and
accredits museums, provides education and training for museum professionals,
operates international museum programs, and advocates for the advancement of
museums.  Since its founding in 1906, AAM has grown to include more than
16,400 members, including more than 11,400 museum professionals, 3,000
museums, and 1,900 corporate members.
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Barry Szczesny
AAM Government and Public Affairs

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