Dr. Fatema Al Sulaiti Director of International Cooperation and Governmental Affairs commented on how she believes that the conference is providing a platform for museum professionals to address the challenges and obstacles facing cultural institutions, as well as to discuss the latest innovations and trends in the museum field.

Al Sulaiti said: “ICOM-INTERCOM is the foremost global organisation in museum management, dedicated to establishing best practices for governing and administering museums and advancing their mission. The focus of the upcoming meeting – INTERCOM Doha, is particularly timely as it provides a platform for participants to examine the findings of ICOM-INTERCOM’s recent research into the effects of global crises on museum leaders and decision-makers. Qatar Museums is honoured to host this gathering that will generate fresh perspectives and solutions on a matter of significant importance.” The conference agenda highlights a different theme each day, with today’s topic centring on ‘Profiling the Leader: Key Skills and Future Mindsets of the Museum Leader.’ Presentations included Charging for Charity by John Wetenhall of The George Washington University Museum, USA, and a speech by Anne-Marie Gilis of KU Leuven in Belgium on Qatar’s emerging museum landscape.

“The latest global research by INTERCOM has revealed that good museum leadership and governance is a complex matter”, said Dr Goranka Horjan, the Chair of INTERCOM. “A main goal of the ICOMs International Committee for Museum Management (INTERCOM) is to explore strategies that can assist museum professionals in running their institutions. The conference in Doha will focus on how to equip museums with visionary leadership and useful management tools designed to communicate the value museums provide to society, which will in turn, make the decision-makers, legislators, and other interest groups more committed to museums and to understand that value. In addition to this, better advocacy is needed to provide support and funding, and to explore new opportunities for museums to deal with present and future challenges like sustainability, digital transformation, climate change, funding issues, new working environments, and operational demands.

The INTERCOM Doha 2023 conference will run until Tuesday 9 May and will provide attendees with the opportunity to attend a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and take part in various workshops.

Source: Qatar News Agency