INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY 2002

Museums and globalisation

ICOM is inviting museums all over the world to celebrate International
Museum Day on or around 18 May 2002. The central theme chosen for the 2002
edition is "Museums and Globalisation".

ICOM President Jacques Perot is calling on museum professionals to take this
opportunity to defend the role played by their institutions in debates on
globalisation. He stresses that museums "urgently need to take steps to
ensure that they gain from the new world order, whilst remaining vigilant as
to its possible repercussions on cultural development and the respect for
differing identities."

International Museum Day 2002 will provide professionals with an opportunity
to implement the resolution adopted by the ICOM General Assembly in July
2001, uniting with colleagues to "oppose vigorously any proposal to abolish
or weaken the long-established [principle of] cultural exception, in order
to continue to protect the significant cultural and natural heritage of the
various nations around the world."

However the context of global free trade has also been a terrific stimulus
to museums to become more outward-looking. Recent advances in communications
technologies, the growth of the media, and the lowering of barriers between
countries have made it easier for ideas and people to circulate freely, and
have proved to be substantially beneficial in that they promote cultural
diversity and enhance the cultural capital of civilisations.

Placed as they are in the heart of the global village, museums are well
aware of the effects globalisation can have on the way they are run; but
they also need to realise that museums' basic remit acquires especial
relevance in the context of globalisation. Insofar as museums help people
learn about difference, they are the chief custodians of the "mutual
understanding, co-operation and peace among peoples" enshrined in the
definition of International Museum Day.

This year, the members of ICOM have once again opted for a theme which is
relevant to museums everywhere in the world, of whatever nature, whatever
type of collection they house. This should ensure that the 24th edition of
International Museum Day draws the attention of visitors all over the world
to the highly topical preoccupations of these cultural institutions, which
have such a vital role to play in our globalised societies.

International Museum Day has steadily grown in popularity with both museum
professionals and the public, and each year sees more and more ICOM members
taking part in the event.