I would like to add to the debate on ICOM reforms from the perspective of
ICOM.CC - currently the largest of the International Committees of ICOM. ICOM.CC
has a lot at stake here  - it has in many respects become a separate though
viable organization which only has a fairly limited interest in the activities
of the parent body. ICOM CC has its own Triennial meetings which are almost as
large and complex as ICOM meetings. It has an enviable publication record - Its
Triennial preprints are of very high quality and represent the current best work
in conservation. It has 23 working groups - each of which is a viable
organization in its own right. Many of these have their own conferences and
produce their own specialist publications. It is much more than a discussion
group or a debating forum which provides coherent input to other International
Committees at ICOM meetings. Since ICOM.CC is so inadequately funded by ICOM in
terms of the high level of activity, ICOM.CC  has realized that it has to start
taking the issue of its own survival very seriously. Clearly, the current
situation has limited viability - we spend about $20,000 more than we receive in
revenue each year of operation. Somehow we have to recover those funds in order
to survive. Like any other organization face with a funding issue there are two
choices - we either cut costs or raise funds. the easiest way for us to deal
with the issue would simply be to separate from ICOM. That however, is an option
which is one we do not wish to contemplate since the wonderful thing about
ICOM.CC is the opportunity to interact with the rest of the museum community.

The Working group structure has worked very well - we don't usually worry too
much about insisting on ICOM membership for participation in working groups  -
Hence many enthusiastic younger members of the profession have been attracted
first to these groups and then to ICOM.CC and finally to ICOM. It has been a
very enticing way for younger people to become involved in ICOM. Some of the
working conferences have been extraordinary - as well as great fun. the small
working group meetings have fostered dialogue, creativity and the development of
networks of professionals throughout the world. And it is the networks of people
which have become the most important thing about ICOM.CC. We have learned
informally and formally from one another.

What I am saying is that from our perspective our committee has been an immense
success. Where it has failed is in its relationship with ICOM. We recognize that
we have to improve our level of participation - but as many have pointed out the
difficulty of travel has been a great barrier.

However, it seems to me that with the development of electronic communications -
everything has changed. - information and ideas can be shared rapidly - new
networks of people can develop - publication in hard copy is unnecessary. The
old way of doing business is history - nothing will ever be the same again.  we
need to redefine the organization in the light of these changes. ICOM.CC is
planning to do just that in a special session later this year. We plan to bring
on a facilitator and develop a new mission statement and a set of
recommendations on what changes we should make.

One final remark - electronic communications cannot replace human interactions -
or to put it another way - we still need to party together once in a while so
that we can develop a degree of comfort in sharing ideas and giving of ourselves
to our colleagues.


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