ICOM has established a new International Committee dedicated to Collections in Storage: ICOM STORAGE. This important step reflects the growing recognition of the essential role that museum storages play in the preservation, study, and accessibility of cultural heritage.
The creation of ICOM STORAGE follows an extensive consultation process with ICOM members and museum professionals worldwide. This initiative involved a comprehensive survey on the theme of museum storage aimed at monitoring the situation of reserve collections throughout the world, resulting in a dedicated publication and a highly successful conference held in autumn 2024 at the Sorbonne-Nouvelle University in Paris. The event brought together more than 400 participants, professionals and researchers, highlighting the pressing need for a specialized platform to address the challenges and best practices related to museum storage.
The Executive Board, at its 174th Session on 2 and 3 December 2024, reviewed the proposal to create this new International Committee. With 230 signatures from 34 countries across five continents, the request met all necessary criteria, and the Executive Board approved its establishment, recognizing the significance of storage management for the museum sector. François Mairesse was appointed to organize the first General Assembly and elections for the new committee.
The Role of International Committees
International Committees are at the heart of ICOM’s mission to promote professional exchange, research, and best practices in the museum sector. Each committee brings together experts from around the world to collaborate on key museum-related topics, fostering dialogue and advancing knowledge in their respective fields. By creating ICOM STORAGE, ICOM strengthens its commitment to supporting museum professionals in addressing the challenges of collection storage, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations, and encouraging museums to open their storage to the public and communities.
ICOM STORAGE will serve as a global forum for museum professionals, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and advocacy on issues related to collections in storage. Members will have the opportunity to contribute to discussions on conservation, access, sustainability, and innovation in storage solutions.
Join ICOM STORAGE today!
ICOM members can join one of the 35 ICs by selecting their International Committee in their member space on the ICOM database via the following link: ICOM Membership Login.
For more information, please contact: storage@icom.museum
Further details on the election process for becoming a member of an International Committee and serving on its Board will be provided in the coming weeks.