ICOM Georgia is thrilled to announce the release of the highly anticipated recording from the Seminar on New Museum Definition. Held on July 5, 2023, this online seminar featured speakers Laura Bonilla-Merchav and Bruno Brulloni, Chairs of the ICOM Define Committee, and moderator Lana Karaia, Chair of ICOM Georgia. This seminar presents a very important resource for professionals, researchers, enthusiasts, and society at large who wish to explore the ever-evolving concepts and practices of museums on a global scale. It provides valuable insights that can deepen understanding and contribute to the ongoing development of the museum field.

During the seminar, the speakers delved into a comprehensive analysis of the new museum definition, offering a detailed explanation of each new term within its framework. They highlighted significant changes in the museum’s role, with a particular emphasis on the core values of inclusiveness, community participation, and sustainability. The discussions shed light on the evolving landscape of museums and their evolving responsibilities towards diverse communities and environmental consciousness.

The event gathered over 100 museum and heritage professionals from Georgia and around the world, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and exploration. It facilitated dynamic interactions and expanded participants’ understanding of the evolving museum landscape.

The seminar included a significant moment when the Georgian translation of the New Museum definition was officially presented and approved. This step showcased a commitment to incorporating the new definition into the local context and fostering a shared understanding within the Georgian museum community.

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The new definition of the museum achieved its final approval during the 26th ICOM General Conference in Prague on August 24, 2022. With an overwhelming majority of 92.4% of the votes, this significant milestone marked the culmination of an 18-month participatory process involving museum professionals from ICOM’s 126 national committees. The collective expertise and aspirations of individuals worldwide contributed to the development of a definition that encapsulates the dynamism and progressive vision of the global museum community.