In 2024, the National Committee of ICOM Georgia approved more than 100 applications for individual, student, and institutional membership.

During this year’s membership process, applications were submitted by several representatives of major Georgian museum institutions, including Nika Akhalbedashvili, Nikoloz Aznaurashvili, Nino Chipashvili, the Georgian National Museum, the Art Palace of Georgia – Museum of Cultural History, and the Dadiani Palaces Historical and Architectural Museum.

Following a review conducted in accordance with the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums, the board of ICOM Georgia did not approve the above-mentioned applications.

The decision was based on concerns regarding developments in the museum sector since 2022, including:

• Personnel policies and large-scale dismissals carried out without adequate evaluation of qualifications and experience;
• Restrictions on researchers’ access to museum collections;
• Disinformation and discrediting statements directed against ICOM Georgia; 
• Limitations imposed on professional privileges associated with ICOM membership cards.

According to the Board, these actions conflict with the principles and values of the international museum community and several provisions of the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums, including: 1.4 Accessibility; 1.11 Personnel Policy; 2.18 Collection Continuity; 3.2 Accessibility of Collections; 3.9 Sharing Knowledge and Expertise; 7.1 National and Local Legislation; 8.2 Professional Responsibility; 8.3 Professional Conduct; 8.4 Academic and Scientific Responsibility.

ICOM Georgia remains open to reconsidering the applications of these institutions should their policies align with the principles of the ICOM Code of Ethics and international museum standards in the future.

For additional context, please see previous statements published by ICOM Georgia regarding recent developments in the Georgian museum sector and related issues.

Contact: icomgeo@gmail.com