II International Conference
Perspective of Social Museology for the ICOM Code of Ethics 13 & 14 February 2025 – Lisbon

We are living in a time of profound and complex transformations in how museums and museological processes carry out their daily activities and their permanent relations with society.

New challenges arise, bringing new actors, concepts and requiring new skill sets. Shifting human behaviors compel us to rethink the role of museums and museological processes in contemporary society.

At the same time, the increasing and persistent threats to Human Rights and the future of Humanity demand that museums and museology unequivocally embrace their Social Responsibility, as outlined in UNESCO’s 2015 Recommendation and reflected in ICOM’s 2022 updated definition of museums.

In this context, International Committee for Social Museology – SOMUS recognizes the importance of fostering reflection and clarifying perspectives to contribute to a revision of the ICOM Code of Ethics, aligned with contemporary museology to better serve society challenges. The Conference is open to all SOMUS members, as well as other professionals, academics, and activists who are interested in engaging in this discussion.

Our II International Conference, “Perspectives of Social Museology for the ICOM Code of Ethics,” seeks to actively engage in the ongoing debate within ICOM on these pressing challenges, which are critical to the future of Museology—a future that must be guided by the practice of social responsibility in service of Human Dignity.

 

 

PROGRAM(1st draft)

PRE-CONFERENCE
February 11 ^th

17:00-19:00 – Pre-Session – SOMUS perspective for the Code of Ethics Main concerns and debate – SOMUS Board

(Online and open to all registered participants)

CONFERENCE
Location: José Araújo Auditorium – Lusófona University
Hybrid

February 13 ^th

8:30-9:20 – Reception and delivery of documentation
9:30-10:00 – Opening ceremony
SOMUS Board, Department of Museology,  UNESCO Chair and  CeiED – ULusofona

10:00-12:00 – Reflections, points of view and contributions – 6 presentation 15m + 30m debate

12:00-    13:00    –    Networks    Panel   (SOMUS,  MINOM    INT/PT,   APOYONLINE, IBERMUSEUS, APOM, ICOM, 1838 Black Metropolis)

13:00-14:00 – on site Lunch and conversation

14:00-16:30 – Reflections, points of view and contributions (2) 4 presentation 15m + 30m debate

16:30-18:00 – Summary, debate and final declaration & Closing words

February 14^th

Meeting place: Department of Museology ULusofona – Room A.1.1
Bus tour to visit museums and museum processes in the Lisbon metropolitan region. Departure and return at the University (9:00 to 18:00)

19:00 Farewell Dinner