ICOM 2010 General Conference and Assembly, 7-12 November 2010

The triennial ICOM General Conference and Assembly took place in Shanghai, China. The conference was attended by 3600 delegates from 122 countries, including 7 South Africans. The theme of the conference was Museums for Social Harmony.

The ICOM conference is always a highlight as it provides the opportunities to grow international networks and to engage with different approaches and perspectives. It is the sheer scale and variety that create an unforgettable experience. Proceedings included the General Conference on 8 November, 30 International Committee Conferences on 8 – 9 November, regional organisation meetings, open forums and the General Assembly (ICOM’s business meeting) on 12 November. As usual, a Museum Trade Fair took place at the same time providing the opportunity for participants to meet service providers and investigate the new products.

A highlight of the conference was the Open Three Nations Forum hosted by China, The Netherlands and South Africa under the theme of sensitive heritage in multi-cultural societies. Helene Vollgraaff of South Africa gave a presentation on Cultural Diversity in the Process of Social Transition arguing for the integration of cultures while respecting difference. She also argued for the idea of museums as safe spaces where audiences can engage with diverse views in a challenging, but not threatening space. Prof Liu Kiulu of China presented a paper on the share-ability of intangible heritage. One can share values and knowledge or enjoy a performance together with other people which create opportunities for building relationships. Tangible heritage on the other hand, even if shared, can have only one user at a particular time. Dr Steph Scholten from The Netherlands reflected on the concept of ownership within the context of the Dutch history as coloniser. He put special emphasis on the issue of the repatriation of human remains and restitution of objects and argued that while ownership is complex in many cases with different communities being able to claim the same heritage. The Forum made provide ample opportunity for discussion and rigorous debate facilitated by Manus Brinkman. The value of the Forum lies in the interaction between three countries with diverse histories and perspectives and the effort to find common guidelines.

Two important documents were adopted by the General Assembly on 12 November, namely the Shanghai Declaration on Museums for Harmonious Social Development and ICOM’s Diversity Charter. These are attached, below.

In addition new definitions for conservation terminology compiled by ICOM-CC at its 15th Triennial Conference in New Delhi 22-26 September 2008 were adopted. This latter document can be found on ICOM-CCs website

Helene Vollgraaff an executive board member of ICOM SA..

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