| 101th
Session of the Executive Council
|
|
Thursday
(afternoon) 6 June 2002 & Friday 7 June 2002
Paris (France)
Minutes
INTRODUCTION
The
President of ICOM, Jacques Perot, opened the session and
thanked Council members and ICOM's partners for their presence.
He welcomed P. Pouw, former Treasurer, who was representing
Council member G. Edson who could not attend the meeting.
0.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
The
draft agenda was adopted.
1.
ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE 100th SESSION
The
minutes of the 100th session were adopted without
comment nor amendment.
2. ORAL REPORT OF THE 63RD SESSION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Alissandra
Cummins, Chairperson of the Advisory, gave a report of the
discussions at the meetings. She firstly noted that it was
a rich session with varied and productive discussions and
with many new faces and representatives from Africa and
the Arab States. She expressed concern however at the decrease
of participation from Latin America and thought that the
level of committees' participation could be correlated to
the level of their involvement in ICOM's activities. Secondly,
she expressed satisfaction at the success of the special
orientation session for the Committee's new members that
was held the day before the opening of plenary.
The
Secretary-General's extensive report on the activities and
programmes of the Organisation was much appreciated. Members
commented on the need to persevere with the preparation
of a code/charter for cultural tourism, particularly with
reference to the treatment of indigenous peoples. Proposals
for emergency training programmes were welcomed provided
that they built on the experience of previous activities
principally organized by UNESCO. The Secretariat was congratulated
on the new design and layout for ICOM News as well as on
the inclusion of Spanish text in the latest issue of the
Study Series. She dealt on the pressing issue of reduced
office space for the Secretariat and its impact on their
efficiency and particularly on its programme activities.
However she imparted Advisory's congratulations to the staff
for its commitment and devotion particularly under extremely
difficult circumstances.
The
Treasurer's presentation of the balance sheet at the end
of December 2001, and particularly her comments on ICOM's
reliance on membership fees and the need for a conservative
approach towards investment of the reserve funds, were also
much appreciated. A question on the MuseDoma line item drew
clarification from the Secretary General who reported on
an EU contribution for promotion of MuseDoma in Europe of
which ICOM would receive (and spend) ? 76,225. Regarding
the apparent budgeted degeneration of income from membership
in the year 2002, it was noted that this was an expected
phenomenon in the year following a General Conference. She
informed Council that the Advisory members approved the
balance sheet without further comment.
Regarding
the budget for 2002, members were given clarification on
the purchase of Museum International for institutional
members as a membership benefit. C. Karp of MuseDoma provided
clarification on the question regarding payment for domain
services by the committees. Members were also apparently
satisfied with the new layout and comparative data in the
budget.
Alissandra
Cummins said that the members were very pleased with President
Jacques Perot's insightful comments in his intervention.
They noted the establishment of the various Task Forces
in line with the Strategic Action Plan approved by the General
Conference in Barcelona. She stated that the President also
thanked the Secretariat for their excellent and committed
work, even though they were in cramped and unsuitable quarters.
It was stressed that different approaches must be found
in solving the problem of office space (probably in conjunction
with ICOMOS). The President noted the work now being undertaken
by UNESCO on a Charter for Cultural Diversity and the need
for ICOM to be closely involved in the process. It was felt
that there was a need to work on the regionalisation of
ICOM and the need for expansion of ICOM's networks, particularly
the need to develop linkages with Asian colleagues.
The
Advisory was given an excellent and cogent report by the
Chairman of the Ethics Committee who first displayed a printed
copy of the recently revised Code of Ethics following its
endorsement by the General Assembly in Barcelona. The Chairman
reviewed their progress on the second phase of the revision
of the document which would not stray from the basic tenets
of the Code but would instead update and restructure it
to make it more accessible, user friendly and comprehensible
to readers. It was noted that the Committee's work in this
regard would require some guidance from the Executive Council,
particularly with respect to the definition of museums.
The Ethics Committee viewed the concept of "collections"
as a knowledge base.
Geoffrey
Lewis also referred to progress made with respect to the
some of the cases which had been referred to the Committee.
In reviewing some of these, he expressed concern at an emerging
trend of 'situation ethics', particularly with holding institutions
pursuing loans of the objects to be restituted. He also
pointed to an increase in cases relating to the unethical
disposition of archaeological and geological materials across
national boundaries despite the apparent legitimacy of the
acquisition in the vendor country, and also referred to
the dubious sampling of natural history specimens in museum
collections, not for the purpose of furthering scientific
research but for exchange with private collectors and then
re-sale on the open market. In these instances he sought
further consultation with the requisite international committee.
His
report drew a lively response from the members of the Advisory
Committee on a number of the issues raised. Clarification
was sought on ICOM's stance on the principle of compensation
related to restitution of cultural property, as well as
on the issue of cross boundary restitution of cultural property.
In response, Geoffrey Lewis reiterated ICOM's adherence
to the principles of both UNESCO's Convention on the Means
of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export
and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property and UNIDROIT's
complementary convention of 1995, noting that ICOM has also
endorsed it as a standard for its own Code of Ethics. It
was confirmed that the Committee was publishing English
and French versions simultaneously of the revisions to the
Code of Ethics and tribute was paid to those involved in
preparing the French translation.
The
Advisory Committee was honoured by the participation of
UNESCO's Assistant Director General for Culture, Mr. Mounir
Bouchenaki, who presented a detailed report on the work
UNESCO is undertaking in the field. Ms. Cummins said that
he first took the opportunity to reassure the membership
that he recognized the problems ICOM was experiencing in
having to endure restricted quarters in UNESCO, and stressed
that he had always emphasized the importance of ICOM to
UNESCO and the necessity of maintaining its presence at
UNESCO Headquarters. He noted that the Director General
himself had recognized the importance of ICOM as one of
the main NGOs with which UNESCO must work. He assured the
Advisory Committee that he will continue to make similar
representations to the Director General and the Member States.
The
ADG reported on two main points: the first was the recent
launch of UNESCO's programme as head agency for the United
Nations Year for the Cultural Heritage; he introduced its
logo and stressed that ICOM had a primary role to play in
the fulfilment of the two main axes of this programme which
were 'Development' and 'Knowledge of the Other'. He distributed
a promotional kit on this UN year which he intended to diffuse
to the members of the Advisory.
Mr.
Bouchenaki referred to the intense discussion on ethical
issues relating to illicit traffic in cultural heritage
which he noted was also an area of intensive activity for
UNESCO. In this respect he was very pleased to have received
the recently published ICOM ASPAC report on the 2001 Hanoi
Meeting on the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Southeast
Asia, and praised ICOM for its endeavours in raising awareness
about these issues.
The
second point was a detailed report on a meeting he had just
recently attended in Afghanistan. Along with several agencies
and foundations concerned with the preservation of cultural
property in that country, UNESCO had been welcomed as a
important partner in the process of recovering that country's
cultural identity. The Afghan Government, and its King,
had both stressed four main priorities in this field: control/reduction
of illicit traffic in cultural property; rehabilitation
of the Kabul Museum; the restoration of monuments and sites
and inclusion of these on the world heritage list; training
for museum and heritage workers. He saw ICOM playing a major
role in virtually every area.
Members
of the Advisory also heard the Editor of Museum International
who reported on the new layout and editorial policy of the
publication and announced a new initiative that is being
undertaken with the digitisation of its back issues. Members
requested that UNESCO consider extending the programme to
its predecessor 'Museion'.
Ms.
Cummins said that she and President Perot had responded
to reflect the encouragement Mr. Bouchenaki's words had
given ICOM with respect to its continued importance to UNESCO,
the major focus of action and the role clearly envisaged
for it to play in UNESCO programming. She noted that the
President went further to stress ICOM's willingness to help
with the sensibilisation of the public, who also proposed
that ICOM pass a motion of gratitude and appreciation for
the extraordinary work and commitment of the current Director
of the Kabul Museum, Mr. Omara Khan Massoudi, who remained
at his post to protect the museum's collection throughout
the period of devastation and destruction wrought in the
country. ICOM's President urged UNESCO to recognize the
importance of a meeting to discuss the parameters of the
programme which ICOM would implement for UNESCO.
Alissandra
Cummins reported that some members later indicated that
while UNESCO was to be congratulated for its rapid action
in respect of Afghanistan, the destruction and dislocation
experienced by that country was similar to what had occurred
elsewhere over the last two decades particularly in several
African and Eastern European countries. It was thought necessary
for ICOM to play close attention to these other situations
and not simply focus on Afghanistan. ICOM should recognize
the work of other agencies in this work and should prepare
a list of museums and other institutions prepared to offer
support to this programme. Others stressed the importance
of not simply bringing in foreign expertise to carry out
this vital work, but that it was essential to involve and
include nationals in this process from the start so that
they could 'own the process'. In the restoration process
it was also important not to decontextualize the object
from the community. The scale of activity proposed clearly
provided opportunity for much needed employment and opportunities
for sustainable development.
She
said that the Secretary General's review of the various
initiatives specified under the Strategic Plan was deemed
a positive feedback on the progress achieved to date. But
some members reacted with disappointment at the lack of
progress in the development of student membership. It was
also noted that there had been no examination so far of
ICOM members' Internet connectivity. However many other
members were impressed with the Plan, noting its importance
for guiding national committees in developing their own
plans.
The
Secretary General's report on the International Committee
of the Blue Shield and ICOM's activities in this regard,
was also received with considerable interest. Brief cogent
reports on the situation regarding the protection of cultural
property in the Middle East [ICTOP] and on the interest
of East Timor in establishing their own heritage management
system [ICOM ASPAC] served to remind members of ICOM's crucial
role in supplying assistance first and foremost to colleagues,
and in facilitating strategic planning and training processes
and the identification of funding for this purpose. Members
reiterated comments made earlier expressing concern that
ICOM did not neglect colleagues from other parts of the
world. The question was raised whether ICOM excluded any
groups or regions from its emergency programme - members
were reminded about the critical situation facing colleagues
in, for example, Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Congo, Somalia
and Burundi, particularly where they do not have the opportunity
to leave their countries for training. The Advisory Chair
reported that while she reassured members that ICOM did
not exclude any countries from its activities, she reminded
them of the relevant decisions taken at the Barcelona General
Conference relating to East Timor, and the focus on Asia
and Latin America for the triennium.
She
reported that C. Karp of MuseDoma provided a comprehensive
overview of the development of the registration, which had
great potential as a source of revenue generation. Members
raised several questions following his presentation. Their
interest largely focussed on the procedure for registration,
the application of the ICOM definition of museums both to
their own eligibility, but particularly to non-members of
ICOM, and the possibility of individual registration. Clarification
was also sought on the application of this definition to
virtual museums and indeed non-collection based members
of ICOM. C. Karp responded to all these points and clarified
that dot-museum could be equally applied to all aspects
of intangible as well as tangible heritage, depending on
how ICOM chose to define 'museum'.
She
said that these discussions underlined for the Advisory
Committee the importance of ICOM's work in redefining the
concept of the museum, and also the need for a user's manual
to guide members seeking to register. Observations were
made on the potentiality for abuse of this system. C. Karp
had iterated that MuseDoma would need the help of national
and regional associations to help determine eligibility
of applications, and that he reassured members that registration
with MuseDoma would not affect members' existing domain
presence, and that a registrant could retain several different
domain names, but that a parallel domain name on dot-museum
would provide a more direct approach to an institution's
web presence.
Alissandra
Cummins reported that the Advisory unanimously approved
the Terms of Reference of the pilot Nominations Committee
without amendment.
With
regard to the separate meetings of the committees, she reported
that members selected by consensus Rick West (AAM/ICOM)
and Hector Rivero Borrell (Mexico) as chairman and rapporteur
respectively of the National Committees/Regional Organisations
meeting. They selected Albert Scheffers (ICOMON) and Paal
Mork (MPR] as chairman and rapporteur respectively of the
meeting of International Committees/Affiliated Associations.
Members later recommended that these appointments remain
in place until 2004, at which time they should identify
new candidates for these roles. Both Chairs later agreed
to serve until 2004; however, the rapporteurs both indicated
that they could not continue to serve beyond the current
meeting so new candidates would have to be identified.
Ms.
Cummins said that she welcomed the recommendation that the
Chairs, Rapporteurs and Vice Chairperson of the Advisory
Committee, could all serve as an informal working group
to assist the her in developing the programme and agenda
for future Advisory Committee meetings.
The
separate meetings identified the following representatives
to serve on different committees:
- ICOM
2004 - Michel Van Präet ( France);
Per Rekdal (ICME)
- Finance
& Resources Standing Committee - Asghar Fazel (Iran),
David Grattan (ICOM CC)
- Legal
Affairs & Properties Committee - Lorenz Homberger
(Switzerland), Rick West (AAM/ICOM), Hildegard Vieregg
(ICOFOM)
- Nominations
Committee - Diana Pardue (ICAMT), Ben Koevoets (IATM),
Knut Wik (Norway), Gerhard Winter (NATHIST), Mohammed
Saley Tim (Niger), Ossama El Meguid (Egypt), Maria Laura
Tomea (Italy),
Günther
Dembski was identified to represent the Chairperson of the
Advisory, Eloisa Zell to represent the Secretariat. ICOM
LAC and ICOM ASPAC Chairs were to be approached to help
identify suitable candidates from those regions. It was
also recommended that the Chairperson of the Ethics Committee
be invited to serve in an ex-officio capacity on
the Committee.
The
separate meetings also reflected on the reports provided
by the Martin Schaerer of the International Committee Task
Force and Yani Herreman of the National Committee Task Force
respectively. With regards to the former the meetings were
pleased to have been informed of the proposals being prepared
by the ICTF in terms of greater autonomy for International
Committees, of fostering a plurality of solutions to the
problems of committees, of the need for a flexible approach
to the establishment, evaluation and dissolution of international
committees, of the creation of a framework agreement with
ICOM to establish precise basic rules for these processes
and the establishment of a new Standing Committee on International
Committees which would report to the Executive Council,
through the Advisory Committee. With respect to the NCTF,
this Committee had been plagued with technological problems
and a lack of communication and had only just established
its agreed approach to work in the absence of designated
Chair, Gary Edson. They felt it was of great importance
to carry out a survey of the issues relating to National
Committees and had noted the concerns of members with respect
to the establishment of relevant criteria for the student
membership category. It was felt there was a need for more
dialogue between the two groups.
The
members very much appreciated the information provided by
Eloisa Zell on membership services and the proposed on-line
members directory; as well as the discussion on the proposal
by Byung-mo Kim for the theme 'Museums and Intangible Heritage'
for International Museums Day 2004 which both meetings endorsed.
Other recommendations were for more issue-based discussion
within the Advisory Committee - meetings should be based
on more substantive issues rather than on purely administrative
matters, the schedule should allow time for the maximum
exchange of ideas, perhaps broken down into smaller informal
groups. The Advisory Committee should also structure meetings
to take on board the views and interests of affiliated organisations,
to elucidate the role of museums in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
In view of the difficulties experienced by members from
some parts of the world to attend, it was felt that ICOM
should give consideration to the Advisory Committee meeting
in locations other than Paris.
The
Advisory heard the final report on the results of the ICOM
2001 General Conference from the Chair of the Spanish Committee
who offered a generally positive evaluation but noted that
in retrospect the intense programme of discussions had placed
an even greater burden of expectation on the organizers
to successfully meet the heavy demands for registration.
Advisory was pleased to be informed that the Organising
Committee of the Conference was awarded a special prize
from the Associació Catalana de Critica d'Art (ACCA) that
recognized their excellent work.
The
Secretary General reported on the results of the ICOM 2001
questionnaire, who noted that while its findings could not
be definitive because of the relatively small sampling achieved
(39 responses out of 349), there were interesting perspectives
to be gained from these responses. The end results were
largely found in favour of the Barcelona Conference, which
was a success despite the communication and logistical problems
experienced by some international committees. Advisory members
responded to a number of issues raised but were generally
very appreciative of the survey and recommended its expansion
to all General Conference participants at the 2004 meeting.
Advisory
reviewed two formal proposals for the hosting of ICOM 2007
General Conference from the Austrian National Committee
and from ICOM Sweden and ICOM Denmark combined. Members
heard oral and video presentations on the suitability of
both Austria and the Oresund Region as host sites, and sought
clarification on a number of points: the budgeted costs
and the accuracy on registration fees projections; transportation
issues between sites and cities; concepts and themes; guaranteed
provisions for local contacts [whether academic or museum
personnel]; level of support for participation from developing
countries. Members were informed that evaluation missions
would be carried out to the various countries to ensure
their readiness to host a general conference.
Members
heard Mr. Byung-mo Kim of the ICOM 2004 Organising Committee
who provided them with the latest update of the plans for
the General Conference in Seoul. A brochure inviting pre-registration
had been circulated to members. Mr. Kim explained the traditional
basis of the conference logo and the slow preparatory work
due to FIFA and election activities presently taking place
in his country. He said that final negotiations concerning
final budget and official support would be secured when
the new government was in place. Mr. Kim regretted that
no progress had been achieved in implicating North Korea
and said that he would ask Council's assistance in this
regard.
The
Advisory Committee received succinct reports on the activities
of the regional organisations for the year from the representatives
of ICOM-ARAB, and ICOM ASPAC. The latter sought the endorsement
of the Advisory Committee to revive the Working Group on
Cross Cultural Issues which would assist ICOM with developing
policy statements relating to cultural diversity issues
and respond to UNESCO's new initiative on a Global Alliance
for Cultural Diversity. The Advisory approved the proposal
that the working group, whose findings had been endorsed
by the Executive Council in 1997, be renamed the Cross Cultural
Task Force of ICOM and that its major proposals be updated
and incorporated into ICOM's Strategic Plan. The Co-ordinator
for ICOM Europe also reported on actions undertaken to develop,
amend and approve their constitution, for which he would
seek approval by the Executive Council.
Members
were enriched by the discussions during the special session
on UNESCO's newly-approved International Convention for
the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage. The
Advisory Chair noted that this was the first of its kind
organized by the Secretariat in conjunction with her. They
heard three speakers: Mr. Guido Carducci (Chief of the International
Standards Section at UNESCO), Mr. Thijs Maarleveld (Member
of the ICOMOS International Committee for Underwater Cultural
Heritage) and Rear-Admiral Georges Prud'homme (Director
of the National Maritime Museum in Paris, France); they
addressed members on the antecedents and background to the
creation of this Convention and the controversies and differing
perspectives surrounding its approval and implementation.
However, it was emphasized that despite their opposing stances
on the Convention itself there was universal acceptance
for the technical rules set out in the Annex to the Convention
and all countries committed themselves politically to their
application, and that it was this part of the Convention
which would have most relevance for museums.
It
was noted that with the ratification of this Convention,
rules affecting protection against illicit traffic could
now be applied in this context. Concern was expressed that
museums had been effectively excluded from the development
of the convention (and indeed had disappeared from the actual
wording of the text. This would likely have implications
for the work of museums, particularly with respect to acquisition,
conservation, storage, and interpretation to the public.
It was resolved that ICOM should make every effort to ensure
that this did not occur again in relation to other major
conventions etc. affecting cultural heritage.
On
other matters, the Advisory heard reports from the Croatian
delegate regarding their programme Best in Heritage; from
the Latvian Chair who presented ICOM with copies of their
newly-printed publication, Museum Basics, in Latvian;
from the Egyptian delegate who informed members of their
100th anniversary plans to commemorate the establishment
of the Cairo Museum. A question regarding ICOM cards for
IATM as a special benefit was clarified by the Membership
Officer.
In
closing, Ms. Cummins thanked members of the Secretariat
for all their work and support, specifically the Secretary
General and Valérie Jullien for the preparation of the special
underwater session; Eloisa Zell and Thomas Jandia for the
administrative and logistical support during the meetings.
She thanked the Vice President Günther Dembski for his support
during the chairing of the meeting as well as the other
chairs and rapporteurs of the separate sessions. She also
took the occasion to express deep gratitude to Ms. L. Prott,
former Director of UNESCO's Division of Cultural Heritage,
who represented that organisation at many meetings of ICOM,
and who had recently retired.
The
President of ICOM thanked Ms. Cummins for her extensive
report and commented on the vitality and cogent contributions
of the committees in the debates of the Advisory. He said
that some of the points raised (cultural tourism, budget,
ethics, emergency programmes, student membership, on-line
directory, ICOM 2001 budget) would be discussed with the
relevant items of the Agenda.
Commenting
on the interventions during the special session on the Convention
of Underwater Cultural Heritage, Y. Herreman stated that
ICOM's presence and liaison in this field should be assured.
ICOM's President said that one of the speakers during the
special session, Rear Admiral G. Prud'homme, is a Board
member of the International Congress of Maritime Museums
(ICMM), an association affiliated with ICOM. He suggested
that formal letters could be exchanged between ICMM and
ICOM regarding such a liaison as well as the development
of joint action on the question of sub-aquatic cultural
property.
With
regard to the pilot Nominations Committee, B. Murphy expressed
concern about the chairmanship of the Nominations Committee
and problems of contention that may arise. Ms. Cummins said
that a possible solution to this could be the engagement
of the Ethics Committee Chair as an ex-officio member;
'complementarity' in the programming of meetings of the
two Committees should therefore be ensured. The Executive
endorsed the membership of the Ethics Chair as ex-officio
member of the Nominations Committee. Ms. Cummins recalled
to Council that the Committee has no decision-making powers
on its own but averred that guidance from the Ethics Committee
was considered important. President Perot also stressed
that it must be clear to its members that they cannot be
candidates to the Executive Council and that letters should
be written to this effect. Ms. Cummins explained that she
had met with the members of the Committee after Advisory's
adjournment and stated that they were very well briefed
on this point.
3.
SECRETARY GENERAL'S REPORT
Manus Brinkman noted that the complete Secretariat Activity
Report was included in the packet of Working Documents that
were previously distributed to the members.
He
wished to emphasize the burden that the special committees
of ICOM places on the Secretariat; he also gave the examples
of MuseDoma, of detailed research on the proposed on-line
directory and voluminous e-mail as the sort of responsibilities
or tasks that lay a lot of stress on the staff. He indicated
that limits have already been reached on staff capacity
and that there was a need to set priorities for the Secretariat.
He reminded Council that additional personnel to ease the
pressure cannot be recruited.
ICOM
President thanked the Secretariat for the important tasks
that it had already accomplished in relation to the Strategic
Action Plan. He deemed it necessary and useful to have a
structured report and said that the Plan should be updated
in relation to the realities of the working environment
of the Secretariat.
A
revised version for 2003 with alternative proposals should
be looked into. It was desirable to make choices based on
the Secretary General's recommendations. E.Olofsson strongly
endorsed for an analysis of the time and the resources that
are needed in the implementation of the Strategic Action
Plan. Reports on missions undertaken by Secretariat staff
to implement the Plan also need to be submitted to Council.
P. Makambila was in favour of these proposals but wished
to remind Council of the very limited staff resources presently
available.
It
was agreed that for the December 2002 meeting of Council,
a document will be prepared that would use the Strategic
Action Plan as its basis and that would highlight the activities
and integrated tasks that meet the objectives of the Plan.
Council will set priorities and select activities. Such
a paper would aid Council and Secretariat in indicating
if its goals were being met.
4.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Camila
González Gou, Treasurer, presented the Balance Sheet at
31 December 2001. She explained that since taking over the
Treasurer's post, her main tasks consisted in ensuring that
income and expenditures were in conformity with the approved
programmes for 2001.
She
was happy to report a positive balance of FF 394.320 (?
60.114). Further, the Organisation was able to collect overdue
contributions, to cut down on some expenses and to collect
income that had not been foreseen in the budget. She noted
that a percentage of the Organisation's turnover was added
to its reserve fund (a fund that had been earmarked to cover
unexpected expenses and to ensure the survival and smooth
functioning of the Organisation in the event that a major
crisis should occur). Additional information added to the
balance sheet described the investments of ICOM that were
guaranteed by the Bank of France.
It
is a given that trends in the world economy would have an
impact on the finances of the Organisation; however the
Treasurer was happy to report that ICOM's current financial
situation is healthy and stable.
The
Treasurer concluded her report by stressing the important
role of the Finance and Legal Affairs Committee that should
seek concrete solutions and prospects for the Organisation's
financial situation and programmes.
She
also took the occasion to thank ICOM's accountant, chartered
accountant and Secretary General in helping her achieve
her appointed tasks.
5.
INTERVENTIONS OF REPRESENTATIVES OF ICOM'S PARTNERS
5.1.
ICOM Foundation
Mrs.
Christine Boël, President, gave a brief summary of the Foundation's
activities:
She
was very happy to report that since the beginning of 2002,
the Foundation's Friends contributed the following sums
directly to ICOM: 5,004 French Francs, 4548 Euros and 1098
US dollars.
The
Foundation continues its contract entitled "Jewellery of
the World" with the Réunion des Musées nationaux (France).
Its series on reproductions of jewellery is valid until
November 27, 2003 and its series of reproductions of Christmas
trees is valid until the end of 2004. She was pleased to
report that the sale of the latter was a success despite
its rather late introduction into the market i.e. just three
weeks before Christmas. New orders were received in January.
However royalties from these projects would only be known
at the end of June 2002.
Mrs.
Boël informed Council that the Foundation had signed a three-year
renewable contract with the London-based company Museums
and Galleries Marketing Ltd. on January 21, 2002. This project
entails the production and sale of derived paper products
from museum objects and will be sold for the benefit of
both the lending museum and the Foundation. She said that
several museums had been contacted for this project, mainly:
the Museums of the Legion of Honour and Marmottan in Paris,
the Condé Museum in Chantilly (France), the Royal Museum
of Fine Arts in Brussels (Belgium), the Anthropology Museum
in Mexico, the Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, among others.
The resulting sales from this project would be known at
the end of each year.
The
Foundation President took the occasion to correct the Minutes
of the 98th session of the Executive (30 June 2001), stating
that the first line on page 2 should be amended to read:
"The Foundation transferred to the Museum of Phnom Penh
all of the funds raised through the sale of the publication
'One Hundred Missing Objects - Looting in Angkor".
She
informed those present that a recent letter from the Director
of the Phnom Penh museum indicated how the money was spent:
$ 606 for glass frames to serve as protection for 24 steles;
$ 1500 to refurbish the men's toilets and $ 1180 to chase
away bats.
Lastly,
she reiterated her request which she reminded Council had
been the primary condition for allowing the supporting members
(Friends) of the Foundation to remit its financial contributions
directly to ICOM, to wit: that this contribution be noted
as a particular line-item in ICOM's balance sheet and not
as a footnote. This line item, she regretted to note, was
not the case in the Balance Sheet for 2000. She wished to
insist on this point as she felt that such a gesture would
encourage the Foundation's Friends and help justify their
validity as a partner of the Organisation.
The
President of ICOM warmly thanked Mrs. Boël and the Foundation
for their creativity in fund-raising activities and took
note of her comments about the Balance Sheet. He also stated
that the newly-established Standing Committee on Finance
& Properties would soon contact the Foundation and reflect
on its role regarding financial assistance in the advancement
and development of ICOM's activities.
5.2.
ICOMOS
Mrs.
Christiane Schmuckle-Mollard, Vice President, presented
the report of ICOMOS. Firstly, she informed those present
that the Organisation counted 7000 members in 110 Member
States of which 66% was located in Europe with 42 national
committees. Secondly, she wished to affirm a relevant points
in ICOM's Strategic Action Plan that concerned ICOMOS, specifically
the wish to reinforce cooperation with sister NGOs and the
development of activities of the International Committee
of the Blue Shield.
She
stated that ICOMOS had published a report on heritage in
danger and that a copy had been given to ICOM; their President
Michael Petzet intends to have a second edition published.
A future edition will contain contributions from ICOM and
other NGOs.
She
noted similarities in the activities of the two Organisations
i.e. their large memberships in the 'developed' countries
of the world (mostly in Europe) and the need to offset this
imbalance with relevant and joint activities in the 'less
developed' regions; and a proposed modification in their
Statutes concerning a category for students and young professionals.
She
proposed that the two Organisations study questions related
to museums in historical sites or edifices and proposed
joint collaboration on two areas of interest: collections
linked to the 'edifice' and that were created at the same
time, i.e. patrimony of the 20th century and
artists' houses; and museological constraints or modifications
that could lead to the loss of the cultural value of a historical
edifice. She thought that these questions could perhaps
be referred to ICAMT.
Finally
she reported on important areas of discussion between the
Presidents of the two Organisations: research on joint offices
in Paris; tourism, monuments and sites; new role for museums
in historic cities.
The
President, J. Perot, thanked the representative of ICOMOS
and reiterated the close collaboration, the common points
of interest between the two bodies. He called attention
to the activities of DEMHIST, one of ICOM's new international
committee devoted to historical houses and that would have
similar pre-occupations as that of ICOMOS.
Y.
Herreman expressed her concern about tourism and city monuments
and the new role for museums in urban planning. She felt
that the two partners should work closely together in these
domains. She also recommended that ICOMOS contact ICAMT
and work jointly with this Committee on certain areas.
G.
Pinna asked for more information about the Organisation's
acceptance of student members. The ICOMOS Vice President
noted that in the absence of written directives, acceptance
depended on the national committees themselves. The ICOM
President said that in ICOM's case criteria on the kind
of students to be admitted will be drawn up and that each
national committee would be given wide margins of interpretation.
5.3.
ICCROM
Ms.
Catherine Antomarchi, representing the Director General
of ICCROM, reported on the Organisation's activities since
the last meeting of the Executive. In the area of collections,
ICCROM has developed a series of initiatives on the theme
of preventive conservation. International courses for educators
and professionals working in this field have been developed
with the collaboration of the Canadian Conservation Institute.
A similar project, organised with the collaboration of SPAFA
(Regional Organisation for Archaeology and Fine Arts), will
be devoted to the collections of museums in Southeast Asia.
This is a project that ICOM is familiar with as it was established
during the very successful workshop that ICOM had organised
in Vietnam in April 2001. This course will be followed by
a seminar for directors where concrete plans for the region
should be formulated. The President of ICOM-ASPAC has been
invited to participate at this seminar. The development
of educational materials on preservation and management
of museum collections is another project.
She
said that ICOM would be interested to know of their projects
linked to the conservation of archives and museum libraries,
notably on the management and use of new media and problems
encountered in their preservation. The development of interdisciplinary
dialogues between museum curators, restorers and scientists
is also envisaged. An important aspect is how to improve
decision-making in conservation that would take into consideration
all data and information that may not always be available
to the aforementioned participants, for example, the needs
of the community, available resources and the different
cultural approaches to be done.
In
the field of intangible cultural heritage, the Organisation
hoped to organise a forum on conservation and crafts, and
to examine the tangible and intangible facets of this kind
of patrimony. Two awareness campaigns have also been launched:
the first is devoted to educating the public and the youth
on the fragility of cultural heritage. This campaign involves
the collection of technical indexes that would show the
different types of activities that could be developed. The
other campaign seeks to involve publishing houses in producing
popular tourist guides that would inform the public on the
fragility of cultural patrimony and on the correct attitudes
and responsibilities that tourists must take in this regard.
In
collaboration with the Universities of London and Nairobi,
ICCROM will offer courses on the management of collections
and cultural heritage; these will be addressed primarily
for the professionals in the sub-Saharan region of the African
continent.
Archival
programmes and a strategy for their preservation will hopefully
be organised in the Caribbean. A forum dedicated to craft
and conservation is envisaged for early 2003 in Rome. In
conclusion, she stated that ICCROM would be collaborating
with ICOM and the Getty Museum on the Museum Emergency Programme
that had been initiated by the ICOM Secretariat.
The
ICOM President thanked the ICCROM representative and stressed
the areas of interest and collaboration between the two
organisations. Martin Schaerer suggested that ICCROM contact
ICOFOM with regard to courses on museology they wish to
organise. Alissandra Cummins likewise suggested that MAC
be contacted with regard to regional programmes envisaged
in the Caribbean.
5.4.
WFFM
Mrs.
Carla Bossi Comelli, President of the World Federation of
Friends of Museums, gave her report. She informed those
present of the Federation's upcoming triennial congress
in Buenos Aires (Argentina) on October 7-11, 2002 and its
theme 'Why Friends of Museums'. The ICOM President had been
invited to speak on 'Friends and Museums as Factors of Change'.
She stated that despite the economic situation in the host
country, the conference will be held as had been originally
scheduled. She said that foreign participants should benefit
from the current exchange rates; she also described the
Federation's proposed programme for the triennial period.
She
stated that the Federation continues to hold regional meetings
to better serve their members and that such meetings had
been held in Asia, Europe, North America and Latin America.
Benefits to members include the bonds of communication,
mutual support, backing and solidarity.
A
bi-lingual guidebook entitled 'How to Start a Friends Group'
was published this year. Authored by the former President
of the Federation, Carole Serventy, the guidebook will hopefully
aid in promoting more friends groups world-wide and especially
in Latin America.
She
said that through their website the Federation hoped to
enhance communications not only with their members but also
with the outside world who would be informed of their mission.
The
ICOM President thanked Ms. Comelli for her intervention
and stated the importance for ICOM to participate in the
Federation's activities. He reminded those present of 'Friends'
as the theme for International Museums Day in 2003. He took
the occasion to congratulate the Argentine Organising Committee
and expressed his hope that many ICOM members would be present
at the Congress.
P.
Makambila opined that each museum should have an Association
of Friends and regretted that such a partnership is not
well known in Africa. He said that ICOM's national committees
should be informed of the Federation's activities.
An
effective two-way link between the websites of the two organisations
should be established. The Federation also stated that it
hopes to be registered very soon on dot-museum.
Council
was informed that the Federation's Code of Ethics had been
diffused to the Advisory Committee: its new guidebook on
how to start friends' groups will also be distributed to
the Advisory members.
5.5.
AFRICOM
Elisabet
Olofsson, SAMP Co-ordinator & Council member, gave recent
information on the progress of this new partner of ICOM.
She informed those present that its Secretariat has offices
within the compound of the National Museum of Kenya in Nairobi
and is managed by its Executive Director, Lorna Abungu.
The Secretariat has operational facilities i. e. telephone
fax and internet. The Organisation has been registered as
an NGO with its own bank account; its Documentation Centre
had been supplied with documents and publications from ICOM
headquarters.
The
Organisation's member services is operational and had registered
40 members as at June 2002. It had been decided to start
with optional membership fees; it was also felt that the
development of AFRICOM membership must be related to ICOM
membership.
The
last board meeting of the Organisation was held in February
2002; aside from its President and Treasurer, there is a
Board member representing each region of the continent.
ICOM is also represented on the Board. The next General
Assembly is scheduled for September 2003 in Kenya during
which elections for the new board will take place. The theme
for the assembly is: 'Les musées africains : quels enjeux
pour le 21ème siècle'.
Its
programme of activities consist of : work on a new edition
of the "Directory of African Museum Professionals" in collaboration
with the West African Museum Programme (WAMP) and funded
by UNESCO and AFAA (Association française d'action artistique);
a project on a modern art exhibition in Bamako (Mali) with
the possible collaboration of ICEE; and work on strategies
for exchange of ideas and information with other African
institutions such as WAMP, PMDA and EPA. It had been solicited
to act as coordinator and networking partner in museum projects
(e.g. a meeting held in Lyon on May 2002 regarding collaboration
with museums in France).
Ms.
Olofsson stressed the need for AFRICOM to define its role
in relation to other bodies and organs working in the Continent.
She also felt the need for the two Organisations (ICOM and
AFRICOM) to reflect on their future official relations and
to soon have a formal decision on this matter. She said
that AFRICOM's Board should come up with proposals regarding
this matter not later than November 2002.
Jacques
Perot thanked Ms. Olofsson for her intervention and stated
that more thought must be given by the two organisations
regarding their future relationship. Council will await
the Board's proposals before giving its opinion. It was
stressed that the two bodies were not in competition with
each other, that they work in co-operation and must collaborate
on specific activities.
The
question of its annual membership dues and the current policy
of optional fees was discussed at great length. P. Makambila
explained some of the technical difficulties encountered
by museum professionals in remitting payments within the
Continent. The feasibility of triple fees (ICOM, AFRICOM
and ICOMOS) was suggested.
The
ICOM President stressed the common history shared by the
two organisations and their work in the same field; that
there is a need to reach an agreement about their future
relationship and areas of collaboration. A working session
of AFRICOM after an Advisory meeting was suggested.
Mr.
Byung-mo Kim informed those present of an organisation in
his country named the Korea-African Association that meets
on an annual basis and organises an African exhibition in
conjunction with these annual meetings. He felt that it
may be a good opportunity for AFRICOM to be in touch with
this association. He will give the address to Ms. Olofsson.
5.6.
UNESCO
The
President noted that the Assistant Director General of UNESCO
and the Editor of Museum International had given
detailed interventions during the meetings of the Advisory.
He took the occasion however to express sincere thanks to
Ms. Lyndel Prott, former Director of UNESCO's Cultural Heritage
Division, who had recently retired from office, and who
worked very closely with ICOM during her tenure. It was
recalled that she also often represented the Director General
at meetings of the Executive and that ICOM collaborated
with Ms. Prott on programme activities or workshops dealing
with ilicit traffic of cultural property.
It
was recommended that the Secretary General contact the office
of the Assistant Director General for Culture with the view
of drafting a general survey of the activities and collaboration
that link the two Organisations.
6.
REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW '.MUSEUM' DOMAIN
NAME
The
Secretary General gave a brief report on the technical details
of the dot-museum initiative. He indicated that many applications
for name-registration have been received but that a vast
majority of these registrants are US-based. However a recent
grant from the European Union will enable MuseDoma to start
an awareness campaign programme amongst museums in European
countries. He stressed that this project would need the
assistance of ICOM's national committees.
A
MuseDoma Board meeting scheduled for the end of the month
will launch this awareness campaign; the Secretary General,
the ICOM President and the Communications Officer will attend
this meeting.
He
also informed those present that the proposed on-line members
directory could be planned to develop and interface with
MuseDoma.
The
ICOM President emphasised that the questions of access to
data, legal implications and professional specialisations
should be very well studied before such an on-line directory
be implemented.
7.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN (2001-2007)
7.1.
National Committees and Regional Organisations Task Force
(NCTF)
Yani
Herreman, representing Gary Edson, gave the report of this
Task Force. She gave a brief historical background of the
group, its mandate and the names of the members that had
been accepted by Council.
She
regretted that the group had been plagued by communication
and technical problems and was thus unable to establish
a proper working scheme before the Advisory meeting in Paris.
Nevertheless three meetings were held during the Advisory
itself and the members who were present were able to contribute
to a plan of action and make specific recommendations.
She
also regretted that a joint meeting with the International
Committee Task Force was not convened during this Advisory,
but hoped that such a meeting could be soon arranged.
The
members of the Task Force asked Council to consider two
requests: financial support for a December meeting and the
reconfirmation of Gary Edson as Coordinator of the Group.
Council confirmed G. Edson as Coordinator, with Y. Herreman
assisting him.
Members
of Council acknowledged the pressing need for the Task Force
to move forward and have a December meeting; that partial
financial support could perhaps be accorded to those members
who need it so that the work of the Task Force could go
forward with its work and achieve its goals. The advice
of the Treasurer and Secretary General will be sought on
this matter. It was stressed that a substantive report from
this Task Force must be ready for the Advisory meetings
of June 2003.
The
ICOM President said that the NCTF must rapidly submit its
recommendations on student membership to enable national
committees to study and implement this category. It should
outline its proposed criteria and interpretation and have
a document rapidly circulated to the committees. It was
recommended that ICTOP also give its advice and orientation
on the kind of students to be admitted as members. Council
members who have specific suggestions on this matter must
submit these to the NCTF immediately.
7.2.
International Committees and Affiliated Associations Task
Force (ICTF)
Martin
Schaerer gave a report on the work achieved so far by this
Task Force. He indicated that email discussions were very
crucial in the work of the group and that 9 out of 11 members
made much use of electronic mail. He thought that the feedback
on the big issues was very positive and that it gave the
members a new dimension on the importance of international
committees and affiliated associations.
The
group's next phase of work will involve discussion on 'details'
and at Council's December meeting he should be in a position
to table the Group's suggestions for concrete results on
the big issues. In January 2003 he envisages getting feedback
from the general membership. A December 2002 meeting is
not planned; he hoped that a joint meeting with the NCTF
could be arranged very soon.
The
ICOM President said that he was impressed by the work done
so far by this Task Force and looked forward to have its
concrete suggestions.
7.3.
Working Group on the Use of Languages
G.
Pinna regretted not having been present at the Group's meeting
the previous Saturday; P. Makambila could not also be present
at this meeting. However discussions on an informal level
were conducted during the past few days. Further, he said
that discussions between members will be continued via electronic
means. A December meeting was not planned. Future work will
deal with different aspects in 'guaranteeing' communication
between members as well as with the protection of linguistic
differences; financial implications for the Secretariat
and the Organisation will also be studied. He hoped to work
on these points in collaboration with the NCTF and ICTF.
He
evoked the question of a member's 'mother tongue'; an example
he gave was the problem of email discussions being conducted
in English or in French and that therefore gives rise to
problems of communication for those who can perhaps speak
in either language but cannot write it well. The Group may
very well recommended that email discussions not be long-winded
and that they be succinct; these however have not been discussed
by the members. He hoped to have recommendations for the
next meeting of the Executive.
7.4.
Nominations Committee
A.
Cummins, Advisory Chair, gave a brief report on this pilot
committee which is under the supervision of the Advisory.
The terms of reference of this Committee had been approved.
She informed Council that the Advisory had been successful
in establishing the Committee's core membership. These were
selected from those who were present at the Advisory; however
representatives from two regional organisations (ICOM LAC
and ICOM ASPAC) will still have to be identified. The Vice
Chair of the Advisory was selected to represent the Advisory;
the Chairperson of the Ethics Committee was also recommended
to be an ex officio member. Further, E. Zell, Membership
Officer, was also recommended to be a member of the Committee.
She
said that the Committee met immediately after the Advisory
meetings and selected Knut Wik (Norway) as its Chairperson.
The Committee's area of priority would be to examine the
nominations process, to identify an educational process
and the kinds of information to be diffused so that candidatures
can be proposed, and to give recommendations for Advisory's
consideration. She averred that the Committee would serve
as the mechanism to assist with the identification of appropriate
candidates with demonstrated capacities for serving in the
Executive Council. The Committee had a role in developing
promotional programmes to educate members and to encourage
candidatures from among the broad range of ICOM membership.
Council
agreed that the Chairperson of the Ethics Committee should
be a full-fledged member of the Nominations Committee.
The
participation of E. Zell, Secretariat staff, as a member
of the Committee was questioned by G. Pinna. Ms. Cummins
said (and P. Makambila concurred) that her inclusion as
a core member was deemed vital as she is in a position to
impart information and expertise on the matter. An observer
status for her would imply less liberty in giving information
that would be of value to the work of the Committee. It
was also recalled that two members of the Secretariat staff
(aside from the Secretary General) were members of the RTF.
The Secretary General did not see any objection to her participation;
he hoped however that she would not be placed in a difficult
position. The Advisory Chair iterated that the Nominations
Committee will not be involved in the elections process.
Council
approved the inclusion of E. Zell as a full-fledged member
of the Committee by a vote of 8 for and 1 against.
Ms.
Cummins said that she will write letters to each member
of the Nominations Committee officially informing them of
their duties and the criteria for nominating candidates
for the next Executive Council.
7.5.
Finance and Resources Committee
The
President of ICOM read out the names of the Committee members:
George Abungu (Kenya), Luiz Antonio Bolcato (Brazil), Michäel
Dauskardt (Open-Air Museums, Germany), Asghar Fazel (Iran),
Llewellyn Gill (MAC, St. Lucia), David Grattan (Conservation,
Canada), Nancy Hushion (INTERCOM), Pauline Kruseman (The
Netherlands), Siam Kim Lim (Singapore), Peggy Loar (USA),
Piet Pouw (The Netherlands), Fernando Riba (Switzerland),
Camila Gonzalez Gou (Treasurer, ex-officio).
G.
Abungu was proposed to be the Committee's Chair, P. Loar
to be Vice-Chair. Its work must be organized via electronic
means. Later, E. Olofsson confirmed that G. Abungu had accepted
the chairmanship of the Committeee.
7.6.
Legal Affairs and Properties Committee
The
names of the Committee members were given by the President:
Patrick Boylan (ICTOP, UK), Trevor Carmichael (Barbados),
Milagro Gomez de Blavia (Venezuela), Lorenz Homberger (Switzerland),
John McAvity (INTERCOM, Canada), Marilyn Phelan (USA), Luis
Repetto (ICOM-LAC, Peru), Bernard Schotter (France), Samuel
Sidibe (Mali), W. Richard West (AAM/ICOM), Hildegard Vieregg
(ICOFOM, Germany).
It
was suggested that L. Homberger be designated Chair of this
Committee. A vice president will be named at a later date.
It
was clarified that the two Standing Committees had mandates
of three full years, enabling them to be functional a year
after the General Conference.
8.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE ICBS
The
President informed those present that information on emergency
situations had been diffused to the Advisory; these concerned
countries like Afghanistan, East Timor, the Middle East,
Somalia, amongst others. It was felt that an efficient and
regular system of communication and diffusion of information
with regard to emergency situations world-wide must be found,
especially in Africa. ICOM's regional organisations could
be charged with this task of informing the Executive and
the Secretariat. The Communications Officer reminded those
present that the new ICOM News has a regular feature
entitled "Solidarity" that diffuses information regarding
patrimony in danger. The Editor of Museum International
informed those present that a future issue of the revue
will be dedicated to this subject matter.
The
Secretary General stated that the ICBS acted as a sort of
coordinator in the diffusion of relevant information. With
regards to Afghanistan, he reported on a meeting held with
UNESCO the day before; he said that important donations
from several countries (e.g. Japan, Italy, Germany, France
and Greece) and from the Aga Khan Foundation had been pledged
and already contributed to help rebuild the country's heritage
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