FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 5, 2016

ARLINGTON, VA – The American Alliance of Museums (AAM), representing the entire scope of the museum community, today signed a partnership agreement with the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and its US committee, ICOM-US.

The agreement sets the stage for broad international cooperation in the museum world, including new sharing of research and best practices. The agreement also creates a broad foundation for members to increase global collaboration and exchange ideas on the most pressing issues facing the global museum community.

“With this agreement, the Alliance takes a key step toward our strategic goal of connecting US-based museums to the global community,” said Laura Lott, AAM President & CEO. “It opens the door for further partnership with ICOM and others abroad to foster an international exchange of ideas that helps to broaden US museum perspectives.”

“On an international scale, all our organizations need to work together in the best interest of our members around the world,” said Prof. Dr. Anne-Catherine Robert-Hauglustaine, Director General of ICOM. “Strengthening this international cooperation is at the core of ICOM’s strategic plan for the coming year.”

“In May 2016 ICOM-US adopted a new multiyear Strategic Vision,” said Kathy Dwyer Southern, Co-Chair ICOM-US.  “This Vision fully aligns with the partnership agreement among ICOM, AAM and ICOM-US.  From addressing threats to our cultural and natural heritage, to encouraging our shared roles in civic engagement, to practicing cultural diplomacy, to sharing information and technical assistance, together, through this new collaboration, we will more effectively support and serve our international museum community.”

The agreement was ratified by the boards of both AAM and ICOM-US in May, by ICOM’s board on July 2, and was signed by all three parties July 5 at the ICOM triennial meeting in Milan.

About the American Alliance of Museums

The American Alliance of Museums has been bringing museums together since 1906, helping to develop standards and best practices, gathering and sharing knowledge, and providing advocacy on issues of concern to the entire museum community. Representing more than 30,000 individual museum professionals and volunteers, institutions and corporate partners serving the museum field, the Alliance is the only organization representing the entire scope of the broad museum community. For more information, visit www.aam-us.org.

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AAM Press Contact:

Joseph Klem
Phone: 202-218-7670
Email: jklem@aam-us.org