A new study seeks to establish ethical collecting practices for US museums – Art Newspaper

Museums: Missions and Acquisitions Project

The Penn Cultural Heritage Center (PennCHC) at the Penn Museum in Philadelphia is launching a study to examine collecting policies and practices at US museums. The study, called the “Museums: Missions and Acquisitions Project” (M2A Project), aims to encourage transparency and accountability in the sector. It will analyze over 450 museum collections to identify current standards and establish a framework for institutions to model their future practices.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
2. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
3. Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Background and Objectives

• The PennCHC has been supporting ethical collecting since its founding in 2008, working closely with local communities to identify and preserve cultural heritage.
• The M2A Project aims to address the historical acquisition of objects that were removed illegally or through inequitable pathways by US museums.
• The project seeks to examine whether US museums are still acquiring these objects and to understand the motivations behind such acquisitions.

Methodology and Funding

• The M2A Project evolved from the PennCHC’s Cultural Property Experts on Call Program, which collaborated with museums and universities to study the trade in illicit artifacts.
• Funded by a $1.1m National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the project will include interviews, workshops, and surveys to gather information.
• The research methods will evolve as the project progresses and a better understanding of the current state of collecting is gained.

Expected Impact and Findings

• The M2A Project aims to deepen partnerships and ongoing research to address issues of ethical collecting.
• The findings will help institutions communicate ethical ownership within the field and to museum audiences.
• The project will publish its findings online by 2027, benefiting institutions, workers, leaders, grant makers, and policymakers.
• The research will inform further studies on the impact of these issues on the cultural sector and guide museums in supporting ethical collecting.

Relevance to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 4: Quality Education
2. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
3. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
4. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
5. Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Conclusion

The M2A Project led by the Penn Cultural Heritage Center aims to address the ethical challenges in collecting practices at US museums. By examining current standards and establishing a framework for future practices, the project seeks to promote transparency and accountability in the sector. The findings will guide institutions, workers, leaders, grant makers, and policymakers in implementing strategies for ethical collecting and supporting the sustainable development goals.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels
   • Indicator 16.6.1: Primary government expenditures as a proportion of original approved budget, by sector (e.g., education, health, etc.)

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development
   • Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development (including climate change education) are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage
   • Indicator 11.4.1: Total expenditure (public and private) per capita spent on the preservation, protection, and conservation of all cultural and natural heritage, by type of heritage (cultural, natural, mixed, and World Heritage Centre designation), level of government (national, regional, and local/municipal), type of expenditure (operating expenditure/investment) and type of private funding (donations in kind, private non-profit sector, sponsorship, and others)

Analysis

The article discusses the launch of the “Museums: Missions and Acquisitions Project” (M2A Project) by the Penn Cultural Heritage Center (PennCHC) at the Penn Museum. The project aims to examine collecting policies and practices at US museums, promote transparency and accountability, and address issues of ethical collecting. Based on the content of the article, the following analysis can be made:

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

• Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels
• Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development
• Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions or implies the following indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator 16.6.1: Primary government expenditures as a proportion of original approved budget, by sector
• Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which global citizenship education and education for sustainable development are mainstreamed in national education policies, curricula, teacher education, and student assessment
• Indicator 11.4.1: Total expenditure (public and private) per capita spent on the preservation, protection, and conservation of all cultural and natural heritage

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: theartnewspaper.com