ICOM, AAMD, AAM, and DAMLI

 ICOM Is known as the International Council of Museums. This is a largely known worldwide network. This network has over 48,900 museum professionals, is in 142 countries and territories, and has over 3,000 institutions. Their main goal is working towards creating a world that understands the importance of cultural heritage, where natural resources are protected and valued. ICOM-US is located in Washington, DC. By joining and becoming a member you are able to gain access to resources on current issues and events, meetings, conferences, as well as workshops throughout the United States. You can also be involved in at maxminin three of the 32 international committees that focus on museum specialty. You are able to continue to be connected through ICOMMUNITY, the new internet interactive platform.

The AAMD is known as the American Association of Museum Directors. Back in April the museum directors made an important shift in regards to the pandemic and the way it has affected their balance sheets and finances for operation. An agreement that was just passed is preventing the censoring of policies normally prohibited, such as using the income of restricted funds for operating expenses. This is also saying those museums that are facing financial instability are able to use funds for conservation or projects without the previous repercussions. This only applies to the income, or draw rate which is only around 5%. This change does not change the governing standard of AAMD, this will be lifted and the possibility of censoring will return on April 10, 2022. 

Bringing the AAM into this known as the Alliance of American Museums, they are currently advocating for United State museums, and have brought to the attention of the community that 30% of institutions may not have the ability to reopen without substantial government relief. Recently the federal CARES Act has put aside $300 million for current art groups, as well as a fraction of the $4 billion dollars for potential in the “Paycheck Protection Program. This program may be eligible for some institutions.

The DAMLI is known as the Diversifying Art Museum Leadership Initiative. Ford, Walton recently donated $6 million dollars to help with diversifying the industry. The funding has been able to help 20 pioneer programs throughout the United States. Only 16% of leadership of art museums are held by those of color. The DAMLI and its use of funding will help further progress our changes in our art museum industry for those who are viewers, as well as those who are involved.

“ICOM-US: Your Passport to the World of Museums.” ICOM-US, n.d. Accessed September 25, 2020. https://www.icomus.org/.

“Diversifying Art Museum Leadership Initiative LOI.” Walton Family Foundation and Ford Foundation. Accessed September 25, 2020. https://ford-foundation-4.forms.fm/diversifying-art-museum-leadership-initiative-loi/forms/3127.

“Finding Financial Relief and Support (for Individuals and Institutions).” American Alliance of Museums. Accessed September 26, 2020. https://www.aam-us.org/programs/about-museums/financial-relief-and-resources/.

Ford Foundation. “Ford Foundation and Walton Family Foundation Launch $6 Million Effort to Diversify Art Museum Leadership.” Ford Foundation. Ford Foundation, November 28, 2017. https://www.fordfoundation.org/the-latest/news/ford-foundation-and-walton-family-foundation-launch-6-million-effort-to-diversify-art-museum-leadership/.

Russeth, Andrew. “In Substantial Shift, Museum Industry Group Pushes Directors to Break the Rules to Survive.” ARTnews.com. ARTnews.com, April 28, 2020. https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/aamd-guidelines-coronavirus-1202684140/.