Join us in Glasgow, 17-18 April to discuss the legacies of colonialism nationally and internationally

Join colleagues from across the UK and around the world to discuss how museums can meaningfully address the legacies of colonialism.

2023 ICOM UK Conference: addressing the legacies of colonialism nationally and internationally

In person, Monday 17 April – Tuesday 18 April 2023, Recital Room (City Halls), Glasgow

Since the murder of George Floyd in 2020, there has been an increasing awareness of how racism shapes our societies around the world, and how that racism has its roots in colonialism.

Over one day of conference sessions, and a second day of local tours, museum professionals from across the UK and around the world will discuss how museums can meaningfully address the legacies of colonialism. Sessions will explore big questions around reparations, climate justice, restitution, education, and what these topics mean to museums, and how can we meaningfully grapple with them.

The ICOM UK 2023 Conference is a collaboration between ICOM UK, NMDC and Glasgow Life, with support from Museums Galleries Scotland, National Museums Scotland and Barker Langham.

If you are not able to purchase a conference ticket using a debit or credit card, please email uk.icom.museum@gmail.com and request an invoice. Please note that your conference place is not confirmed until the invoice has been paid. We encourage you to pay by credit or debit card wherever possible.

Conference Programme:

Monday 17 April 2023

09:30 – 10:00 Arrivals and refreshments

10:00 – 10:15 Introductions

10:15 – 11:15 Session 1 -Centring the enslaved

In-conversation session with Paul Gardullo, National Museum of African American History and Culture (USA), Zandra Yeaman, The Hunterian (UK), Nelson Cummins, Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (UK)

11:15 – 11:30 Break

11:30- 12:30 Session 2 – Interpreting and dismantling colonial education

Speakers: Lisa Williams, Edinburgh Caribbean Association; Jacob Ross, a novelist, short story writer, editor and creative writing tutor; Dr. Rianna Walcott, University of Maryland & Project Myopia.

12:30 – 13:30 Lunch (provided) & networking

13:30 – 14:30 Session 3 – Working through climate and political crises while your home is being destroyed

Speakers: Sahar Beyad (NML), Shaheera Pesnani (Historic England), Patricia Allan, Glasgow Museums’ Curator of World Cultures since 2002

14:30 – 15:15 Facilitated Reflection Session

15:15 – 15:30 Break

15:30 – 16:15 Session 4 – Reparations and Museums

Speakers: (VIRTUAL) Professor Anthony Bogues (Brown University)

16:15 – 16:30 Closing remarks and departure

Post-conference there will be an informal meet up for conference delegates in a local bar

Tuesday 18 April 2023 – AM

Guided visits and tours to museums in Glasgow:

09:30 – 10:30 Zandra Yeaman, Curator of Discomfort will lead a guided tour of The Hunterian Museum

10:30 – 11:30 Lola Sanchez-Jauregui, Art Curator will lead a guided tour of the new rehang/reinterpretation of The Hunterian Art Gallery

Time TBC – CRER (Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights ) Black history city walk

Time TBC – The Burrell Collection