In today’s increasingly globalised world, museums take on responsibilities beyond storing artefacts and providing nuggets of history. Museums are playing an increasingly important role of helping to bridge communal ties within multi-cultural and multi-ethnic societies.  Find out how ASEAN museums are engaging their diverse ethnic communities in their own countries, and walk through the evolution of Asian museums this August.

The theme this year, “Museum – Community Partnerships. The Role of ASEAN Museums in the 21st Century”  discusses the multiple hats that museums wear today. They have evolved from archival houses to playing a significant role in societal development, establishing links between the past and present; connecting the different cultures of the world together.

The keynote speakers are:

• Alissandra Cummins, President the International Council of Museums (ICOM)
• Ron Ramsay, Director Newcastle Region Art Gallery, Queensland

Hear from the experts around the region on the role of ASEAN museums in the international network. case studies of projects and strategies employed to actively engage communities. These include:

• research-based projects with source communities such as oral-history interviews and other forms of documentation
• audience development projects to engage general visitors,
• public programmes and education projects with schools
• development projects that cultivate donors, funding bodies and other key stakeholders.

Details:
Asean Museum Directors’ Symposium
Date: 19 – 20 August 2009
Time: 9am – 6pm
Venue: Asian Civilisations Museum
Website for registration details: http://www.nhb.gov.sg/amds