11.02.2022

Statement of ICOM National Committee in Georgia

ICOM Georgia responds to the order of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs of Georgia of February 1, 2022 (# 05/02), according to which a change is made in the statute of the Georgian National Museum (Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of June 18, 2019 # 110 / N).

One of the changes given in this order implies restricted control over access to museum collections for research activities. The strict rule of access to museum collections applies not only to the interested public, but also to the scientific staff of the museum.

The content of this change is completely unacceptable and contradicts the current definition of the museum and its mission to be an open and accessible space for everyone. In addition, it restricts the right of the museum industry to fulfill its professional obligations.

The above mentioned changes violates a number of principles of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) ICOM code for Ethics for Museums, 2018, according to which museums have a responsibility to make their collections widely accessible for research and education, as well as a commitment to share knowledge and experience. In particular:

• Principle II – 2.18
• Principle III – 3.2, 3.9
• Principle VIII – 8.3, 8.4.

ICOM Museum Code of Ethics

Principle II – Museums that maintain collections hold them in trust for the benefit of society and its development.
Museums have the duty to acquire, preserve and promote their collections as a contribution to safeguarding the natural, cultural and scientific
heritage. Their collections are a significant public inheritance, have a special position in law and are protected by international legislation.
Inherent in this public trust is the notion of stewardship that includes rightful ownership, permanence, documentation, accessibility and responsible disposal.

2.18 Collection Continuity
The museum should establish and apply policies to ensure that its collections (both permanent and temporary) and associated information, properly recorded, are available for current use and will be passed on to future generations in as good and safe a condition as practicable, having regard to current knowledge and resources.

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Principle III — Museums hold primary evidence for establishing and furthering knowledge.
Museums have particular responsibilities to all for the care, accessibility and interpretation of primary evidence collected and held in their collections.

3.2 Availability of Collections
Museums have a particular responsibility for making collections and all relevant information available as freely as possible, having regard to restraints arising for reasons of confidentiality and security.
3.9 Shared Expertise
Members of the museum profession have an obligation to share their knowledge and experience with colleagues, scholars and students in relevant fields. They should respect and acknowledge those from whom they have learned and should pass on such advancements in techniques and experience that may be of benefit to others.

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Principle VIII — Museums operate in a professional manner.
Members of the museum profession should observe accepted standards and laws and uphold the dignity and honour of their profession. They should safeguard the public against illegal or unethical professional conduct. Every opportunity should be used to inform and educate the public about the aims, purposes, and aspirations of the profession to develop a better public understanding of the contributions of museums to society

8.3 Professional Conduct
Loyalty to colleagues and to the employing museum is an important professional responsibility and must be based on allegiance to fundamental ethical principles applicable to the profession as a whole. These principles should comply with the terms of the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums and be aware of any other codes or policies relevant to museum work.

8.4 Academic and Scientific Responsibilities
Members of the museum profession should promote the investigation, preservation, and use of information inherent in collections. They should, therefore, refrain from any activity or circumstance that might result in the loss of such academic and scientific data.

ICOM Code of Ethics