Committee on Museum Ethics

Committee on Museum Ethics is a crucial body that oversees the ethical standards and practices of museums worldwide, including the British Museum, Louvre, and Metropolitan Museum of Art. The committee works closely with International Council of Museums (ICOM), American Alliance of Museums (AAM), and Museums Association (MA) to establish and maintain ethical guidelines for curators, conservators, and other museum professionals. The committee's efforts are also influenced by the work of UNESCO, World Heritage Centre, and International Committee of the Blue Shield (ICBS) in promoting cultural heritage preservation and protection. Additionally, the committee collaborates with European Museum Forum (EMF), Asian Pacific Network of Museums (APNM), and African Museum Association (AMA) to address regional and global museum ethics concerns.

● Introduction to Museum Ethics

Museum ethics is a vital aspect of the museum sector, encompassing a range of issues, including cultural property protection, provenance research, and repatriation of cultural artifacts. The committee draws on the expertise of museum directors, curators, and ethicists from institutions like the National Museum of Natural History, Field Museum of Natural History, and Australian Museum. The development of museum ethics is also informed by the work of philosophers, such as Immanuel Kant and John Rawls, and ethicists, including Martha Nussbaum and Michael Sandel. Furthermore, the committee considers the perspectives of indigenous communities, such as the Native American Rights Fund and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), in addressing issues related to cultural sensitivity and community engagement.

● History of

the Committee The committee has its roots in the 1960s, when museums began to grapple with the ethical implications of colonialism and the looting of cultural artifacts. The 1970 UNESCO Convention and the 1995 UNIDROIT Convention played significant roles in shaping the committee's mandate, which is also influenced by the work of Interpol, World Customs Organization (WCO), and International Federation of Association of Antique and Art Dealers (IFAAD). The committee's history is closely tied to the development of museum ethics codes, such as the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums and the AAM Code of Ethics for Museums. Key figures, including Neil MacGregor, Philippe de Montebello, and Glenn Lowry, have contributed to the committee's work, along with organizations like the Getty Conservation Institute and the World Monuments Fund.

● Code of Ethics for Museums

The committee is responsible for developing and updating the Code of Ethics for Museums, which provides guidance on issues such as acquisitions, collections management, and exhibition planning. The code is informed by the principles of respect for cultural heritage, transparency, and accountability, and is aligned with the standards of ICOM, AAM, and MA. The committee also draws on the expertise of lawyers, such as James Nafziger and Patrick O'Keefe, and ethicists, including Sharon Waxman and Tom Flynn, to ensure that the code is legally and ethically sound. Additionally, the committee considers the perspectives of museum visitors, donors, and stakeholders, such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Tate Modern, in developing the code.

● Roles and Responsibilities

The committee's roles and responsibilities include providing guidance on ethics and best practices for museums, as well as promoting professional development and capacity building for museum professionals. The committee works closely with museum associations, such as the European Museum Forum (EMF) and the Asian Pacific Network of Museums (APNM), to support the development of museum ethics and standards. The committee's members, including curators, conservators, and museum directors, are drawn from a range of institutions, including the National Gallery of Art, State Hermitage Museum, and Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The committee also collaborates with universities and research institutions, such as the University of Oxford and the Getty Research Institute, to advance the field of museum ethics.

● Decision Making and Governance

The committee's decision-making process is guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, and is informed by the work of governance experts, such as Michael Useem and Ram Charan. The committee's governance structure is designed to ensure that diverse perspectives are represented, including those of indigenous communities, museum visitors, and stakeholders. The committee's decisions are also influenced by the work of auditors, such as KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and risk management experts, including Deloitte and Ernst & Young (EY). Furthermore, the committee considers the perspectives of funders and sponsors, such as the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, in making decisions about museum ethics and standards.

● Case Studies and Applications

The committee's work has been applied in a range of case studies, including the repatriation of cultural artifacts to Native American communities and the return of looted artifacts to countries of origin. The committee's guidance has also been used in the development of museum exhibitions, such as the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibition at the National Gallery of China and the King Tut exhibition at the Egyptian Museum. Additionally, the committee's work has informed the development of museum policies and procedures, such as the British Museum's collections management policy and the Metropolitan Museum of Art's acquisition policy. The committee's case studies and applications are also influenced by the work of consultants, such as Lord Cultural Resources and Gallagher & Associates, and experts in museum evaluation and visitor studies, including Randi Korn and Stephen Bitgood.

Category:Museum ethics