Theme statement

In today’s world, a whirlwind of global events has reshaped our understanding of the world and our place in it, thrusting us into an era of constant transformation. In this ever-evolving landscape, we are all striving to adapt, innovate, and stay ahead.

Museums are on this journey too, though due to their broad variety, their pace may vary. As we navigate through these changes, museums are also reimagining their roles and forging new connections. This is the journey ICOM Dubai 2025 invites us on: envisioning the future of museums and communities together. Here, museum professionals and community members will come together to seize opportunities to collectively shape our future. Our goal is to work together to preserve, share, and delve into our cultural identities, reinforcing the role of museums as vital societal pillars and catalysts for growth.

‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities’ encapsulates the dynamic ever- changing landscape that our communities and museums navigate through today, while three interconnected sub-themes will invite in depth discussions into the safeguarding of intangible heritage, youth power and the rise of new technologies.

As we prepare for ICOM Dubai 2025, let’s unite to define our collective path forward.

Sub-themes

This sub-theme will explore the positioning of museums as dynamic entities capable of safeguarding intangible heritage, in an ever-evolving global landscape. In the face of rapid transformations driven by technological progress shifting demographics, migration flux, mutations in social patterns and environmental changes, the safeguarding of intangible heritage is of significant concern worldwide.

Intangible heritage embodies the essence of cultural identities and celebrates richness and diversity. As such, it is vital for museums to promote intangible heritage as a dynamic source of inspiration and a relatable aspect of our collective culture. ICOM Dubai 2025 will invite regional and global perspectives to explore and define new strategies and innovative practices geared towards nurturing, promoting and transmitting intangible heritage to younger generations.

Moreover, it will provide an opportunity to discuss continuity and revitalization of intangible heritage, especially in communities subject to migration movements.

In the midst of global transformations, the preservation of intangible heritage stands out as a pivotal mission. Museums are at the forefront of this journey, acting as active guides that cultivate and safeguard our collective cultural legacy for both today and tomorrow. ICOM Dubai 2025 will embody this collective dedication, showcasing the united efforts of museums worldwide to embrace and overcome these challenges.

Recognizing the transformative power of youth, this subtheme will dive into the pivotal role of youth in forging the museums of tomorrow. Youth are the power engine that is needed to move ahead and navigate an ever-changing world, while museums possess a unique potential, offering young people a window into the past, a tool for reflection on the present and a platform for shaping the future. ICOM Dubai 2025 will be a great opportunity to explore these synergies – resonating globally, while holding special significance in Middle East, Africa and Southern Asia and beyond, in regions that are experiencing a demographic surge of young people.

The sessions at ICOM Dubai 2025 will dive into positioning museums as burgeoning places for youth leadership and visionary forms of youth engagement in governance, youth strategies and policies, youth-led initiatives, and participation, and reflect on the perspectives of young people in the face of changes. This initiative focuses on reimagining museums with and for the youth, positioning them as a vital force that enables both museums and their communities to navigate changes. It’s about uncovering new ways to discover and recover, fostering collective efforts to find innovative forms of collaboration and engagement.

The exploration of youth’s dynamic influence within museums marks a significant stride toward shaping the museums of the future. Through discussions on youth leadership, engagement and perspectives, ICOM Dubai 2025 aims to position museums as vibrant centres for youth-driven innovation and cooperation, stimulating resilience, discovery, and collective growth for museums and their communities alike.

Building upon the discussions and findings of ICOM Prague 2022, this sub-theme will investigate further avenues for placing museums at the forefront of innovation for cultural creation and preservation, audience engagement, learning, and operations efficiency. As communities undergo swift transformations driven by technological advancements, combined with the rise of distance learning, there is an opportunity for museums to tap into the potential of new technologies to create new forms of expression, enhance audience engagement and visitor experiences and improve operations.

ICOM Dubai 2025 will explore key questions such as: how can museums integrate new technologies responsibly? What are the implications for audiences and staff? How can technology enhance content creation and sharing while preserving authenticity and emotion? Can museums develop custom solutions for their communities? The discussions will seek to articulate the role that museums can play in embracing new technologies to meet and/or anticipate their needs and those of their rapidly changing communities while keeping the power and authenticity of cultural expressions at the heart of their experience.

ICOM Dubai 2025 will propel museums into the forefront of innovation, spotlighting the transformative potential of new technologies. As stewards of heritage and catalysts for change, museums will emerge poised to forge the future of cultural preservation and community connections in an ever-evolving technological environment.

In the midst of an ever-changing world, ICOM Dubai 2025 will offer a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action, where museum professionals and community members can come together to address the pressing challenges and exciting opportunities on the horizon. Whether participating in person or online, everyone’s voice and expertise have crucial power in shaping the future of museums and our rapidly changing communities. The future awaits, and your presence is vital. Together, let’s seize it and boldly chart a path towards a future where museums thrive with innovative foresight and resilience.