The International Museum Day (IMD) 2013 Forum

The International Museum Day (IMD) Forum put the spotlight on the role of museums in driving social change and redefining its position as a positive influence in shaping the community.

The International Museum Day Forum, held last May 25, 2013 at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), School of Design and Arts Campus, was spearheaded by the International Council of Museums Philippines (ICOM-Philippines) under the leadership of Ms. Gina Barte, ICOM-Philippines Chair. In line with the global theme, “Museums (Memory + Creativity) = Social Change”, the forum aims to highlight the complexity of museum tasks and their contribution to positive societal influence and community development. IMD 2013 looks into reconciling museums’ traditional mission of conservation with the creativity necessary for their revival and development of their audiences.

Ms. Gina Barte, ICOM-Ph Chair with Dr. Hans Martin Hinz, ICOM President, and DLS-CSB Partners

ICOM President and former Deputy Minister of Culture for Berlin, Dr. Hans Martin Hinz, has been invited to give the keynote speech. Dr. Hinz highlighted the important role of museums, that is, to provide insights into the past, contribute to the perception of the present and offer perspectives for the future.

 

IMD 2013 Forum Group Photo  

Ms. Gina Barte, Chair of ICOM- Philippines, pointed out that museums in the Philippines face huge challenges in the task of collections management and conservation due to risks of decay or damage caused by  environmental factors such as climate change, neglect and illicit traffic of artifacts and other cultural properties. She added that museums are at the forefront of protecting cultural and natural properties and they need every help the Filipino public can give in pursuing this mission. 

 

Dr. Hinz addressing the questions of the participants

The forum emphasized the important role museums play in espousing  dialogue and reconciliation, promoting clarity in communicating significant historical events, giving voice to the different social sectors, and explaining differences in society. Moreover, the success and strength of museums in developing this emerging platform will depend on how issues are presented, requiring critical thinking and participation of the public.

IMD 2013 Reception at Barbara’s Restaurant

 

 

The IMD 2013 Forum was undertaken in partnership with the following partners:

• De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB)
• National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)
• Department of Tourism (DOT)
• Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
• Hiniraya Cultural Heritage and Development Foundation, Inc. (HCHDFI)
• Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP)
• International Movement of Development Managers (IMDM)
• Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
• Philippine Association of Museums, Inc. (PAMI)
• San Miguel Corporation (SMC)

 Media Partners:

• Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI)
• Business World (BW)