As a global association of museums, with more than 36,000 members in 136 countries, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) is committed to connecting professionals of diverse cultural backgrounds with a view to fostering dialogue and comprehension among peoples of all nations.
As such, we express our concern at the recent Executive Order to suspend travel to the US for citizens originating from seven countries. The free movement of museum professionals is vital to ensure that intercultural and interdisciplinary meetings and cooperation continue to be possible.
Museums work to enhance social cohesion and to help foster a climate of tolerance, peace, and respect for cultural identities and diversity.
In response to President Trump’s 27 January Executive Order, the US National Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM-US) stated:
“It is the goal of ICOM-US to identify and act on the international interests and concerns of its members and, to make a difference in their professional lives, their institutions, and the profession worldwide. Part of fulfilling this goal is to give voice and advocacy to the US museum community in the international arena and on matters of global concern. ICOM-US will always welcome all colleagues in the museum community to participate in our programs or collaborations, regardless of their nationality or religion.
It is the mission of ICOM-US to facilitate and to increase US museum professionals’ participation in the worldwide cultural community as well as to represent and to advocate for US museums’ international interests and perspectives within ICOM. Therefore, ICOM-US will continue to collaborate with our international colleagues as an advocate for cultural exchange and welcome all in our community. We believe President Trump’s Executive Order of January 27 runs counter to our goals.”