The ICOM Canada national committee has proposed a revised museum definition as part of the ongoing ICOM Museum Definition project. The proposal definition includes modifications to the current definition:
“A museum is a non-profit, permanent, dynamic and responsive institution in the service of a living planet. It is a public place that welcomes all people, fosters cooperation, cross-cultural exchange and public understanding of human and environmental interdependence.
The museum acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits arts and cultures, the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purposes of education, study, enjoyment and the promotion of social and climate justice.”
ICOM Canada’s proposal reflects discussions and research conducted by the ICOM Canada Executive Board and ICOM Canada member feedback received in April, 2019. The Board submitted the proposal in both French and English to ICOM Executive Board in Paris on May 2, 2019.
Members, committees, partners and other interested stakeholders continue to contribute and participate in the development of potential alternatives for the museum definition, with the goal of compiling changes and recommendations in time for the 25th ICOM General Conference, which will take place in Kyoto, 1-7 September 2019.
ICOM Canada encourages you and your organization to submit your own definition. To learn more, please visit the ICOM Museum Definition page. Submissions will be open until May 20, 2019.