ICOM Museum Definition Step 3 Consultation

In 2019, the ICOM Extraordinary General Assembly held in Kyoto approved a motion to postpone the vote on a new museum definition, deciding to enter into a process of consultation and improved cooperation between committees.

ICOM announced in December 2020 its intention to produce a new definition in time for the 2022 ICOM triennial in Prague. They have asked all ICOM Committees to contact their membership in anticipation that a more widespread consultation will bring about a definition acceptable to all worldwide. The first phase of this consultation (Step 3 in the overall process) is to identify the words and descriptions that are core to the definition.

ICOM Ireland is therefore asking all members and the wider museum sector to contribute to the words and descriptions ICOM Ireland will put forward.

In this consultation, we are focusing on the core of what a museum is, with the aspiration to identify the core words and terms essential to worldwide adoption.

In addition, ICOM is also canvasing membership opinion to determine whether a revision of the current Code of Ethics for Museums is necessary, we are interested in your opinion.

We would be very grateful if you would take the time to complete this short survey before Wed 31 March 2021.

The survey findings will be shared with all ICOM Ireland members and continue to provide opportunities and signposting for members to engage with the consultation process and its surrounding debate over the coming year.