Latin American Association of Museums

Latin American Association of Museums is a prominent organization that brings together museums from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and other Latin American countries to promote cultural heritage and arts in the region. The association has partnerships with International Council of Museums (ICOM), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to support its initiatives. The association's efforts are also supported by Latin American and Caribbean Institute (ILAC) and Organization of American States (OAS). Members of the association include National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City, National Museum of Fine Arts (Buenos Aires), and Museum of Modern Art (Rio de Janeiro).

● History

The history of the association dates back to the 1960s, when museum professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean began to meet to discuss common challenges and opportunities. The first meeting was held in Havana, Cuba, with representatives from Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. The association was formally established in the 1970s, with the support of UNESCO and ICOM. Since then, the association has grown to include members from over 20 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The association has also collaborated with European Museum Forum, American Alliance of Museums, and Australian Museums and Galleries Association.

● Organization

The association is governed by a board of directors composed of representatives from member museums in Latin America. The board is responsible for setting the association's strategic plan and overseeing its implementation. The association also has a secretariat located in Santiago, Chile, which provides administrative support and coordinates the association's activities. The secretariat works closely with ICOM Latin America and the Caribbean, UNESCO Office in Santiago, and ECLAC (Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean). The association's annual meeting is held in a different country each year, with recent meetings taking place in Lima, Peru, Quito, Ecuador, and Bogotá, Colombia.

● Membership

Membership in the association is open to museums and cultural institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean. Members include national museums, art museums, history museums, and science museums, as well as cultural centers and heritage sites. The association has over 500 member institutions, including National Museum of Brazil, Museum of Contemporary Art (Santiago), and Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (Havana). Members benefit from training programs, workshops, and conferences organized by the association, as well as access to grants and funding opportunities provided by IDB, World Bank, and European Union.

● Activities

The association's activities focus on promoting cultural heritage and arts in Latin America and the Caribbean. The association organizes exhibitions, conferences, and workshops on topics such as museum management, curatorial practices, and cultural tourism. The association also provides technical assistance and capacity building programs for member museums, with support from ICOM, UNESCO, and Getty Conservation Institute. The association has collaborated with Google Arts & Culture, Wikimedia Foundation, and Europeana to promote digital cultural heritage in the region.

● Regional Presence

The association has a strong presence in Latin America and the Caribbean, with members in over 20 countries. The association has regional offices in Mexico City, Buenos Aires, and Rio de Janeiro, which provide support to member museums and coordinate the association's activities in the region. The association also works closely with regional organizations such as Central American Integration System (SICA), Andean Community of Nations (CAN), and Mercosur. The association has partnerships with University of Chile, National Autonomous University of Mexico, and University of São Paulo to support research and innovation in the field of museum studies.

● Goals and Objectives

The association's goals and objectives focus on promoting cultural heritage and arts in Latin America and the Caribbean. The association aims to strengthen the museum sector in the region, improve museum management and curatorial practices, and increase access to cultural heritage and arts for diverse audiences. The association also seeks to promote cultural exchange and cooperation between Latin America and other regions, including Europe, North America, and Asia. The association's objectives are aligned with the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums. The association has received support from Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to achieve its goals and objectives.

Category:Museums