International Museum Day 18th May 2022 Theme: “The Power of Museums”
International Museum Day is a global event coordinated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), celebrated annually on the 18th of May around the world. International Museum Day is a platform to raise awareness about the role of museums that plays in the development of society. It also highlights the importance of the museum in the means of cultural exchange, cultural development, mutual understanding, and cooperation peace among the people. This day provides an opportunity for museum professionals to consult and educate the public about the issues facing museums.
In 1977, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) created International Museum Day. After the creation of International Museum Day, it has become increasingly popular, with 20,000 museums in over 90 countries participating in International Museum Day 2009. In 2012, the number of museums participating has increased to 30,000 in 129 countries.
Theme
International Museum Day 2022 Theme: “The Power of Museums”
Every year the International Council of Museums (ICOM) chooses a theme that is the heart of the concerned society, also to promotes the role of Museums. This year the theme of International Museum Day 2022: “The Power of Museums”.
Museums teach us about our past and open our minds to new ideas as unparalleled places of discovery, two vital elements in constructing a better future. We want to look at the potential of museums to bring about positive change in their communities via three lenses on International Museum Day 2022, which will be held on May 18th.
The power of achieving sustainability: Museums are key players in accomplishing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. They contribute to a wide range of Goals, including encouraging short-circuit and social economies and sharing scientific information on environmental concerns, as major actors in their local communities.
The power of innovating on digitalization and accessibility: Museums have evolved into cutting-edge facilities where new technologies can be tested and applied to everyday life. Digital innovation may help audiences grasp difficult and complex subjects, making museums more accessible and interesting.
The power of community building through education: Museums weave a social fabric that is crucial in community formation through their collections and programmes. They contribute to the formation of an informed and involved civil society by supporting democratic values and providing lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Objective
The goal for celebrating International Museum Day is to raise awareness that the value of Museums is an essential means of cultural exchange, cultural enrichment, and the creation of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples. ICOM has organized International Museum Day every year since 1977 which creates a unique opportunity for the international museum community.
Celebration
Every year, the International Museum Day is celebrated with great events, museums from all over the world are invited to take part in the celebration to promote the role of museums. The events are unique with free activities based on the theme. This year due to the World Pandemic and following lockdown the International Museum Day is going digital. The ICOM invites museums from all over the world to host different online activities around the day with the theme: Museums for Equality: Diversity and Inclusion.
Swikriti Dandotia
