Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in collaboration with the UAE chapter of the International Council of Museums (ICOM-UAE), will host the ICOM 2024 International Symposium as a precursor to the 27th ICOM General Conference, set to take place in Dubai in 2025.
This marks the first time the event will be held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, solidifying Dubai's standing as a global cultural hub.
Scheduled for 12th November at the Etihad Museum, the symposium will explore the theme, "The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities," focusing on Intangible Heritage, Youth Power, and New Technologies. These dimensions highlight the evolving role of museums in dynamic societies, fostering discussions among international experts on how institutions can adapt to and thrive amid global transformations.
Edward Rodley, Co-Founder of The Experience Alchemists, will open the symposium with insights on leveraging new technologies within museums. Following him, prominent figures including Marjan Faraidooni from Expo City Dubai, Dr. Simon Tanner from King's College London, and UNESCO’s Pablo Guayasamín Madriñán will discuss the integration of technology in museum operations, aligning with modern audience expectations.
Youth empowerment and heritage preservation will also be key focuses, with speakers like Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, founder of Barjeel Art Foundation, and Dr. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the UAE President, leading discussions on preserving heritage and empowering the next generation.
For the first time in ICOM’s history, training workshops led by international committee experts will cover crucial topics such as collection documentation, community involvement in heritage preservation, and emergency preparedness.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
