ICOM Italia's nuanced stance on climate activists in museums

On November 11, 2022, ICOM International Council of Museums issued a statement acknowledging climate activists' protests in European museums by groups like Just Stop Oil and Ultima Generazione, part of the A22 network. The statement recognized the symbolic power of museums in climate discussions without outright condemning or endorsing the actions. In Italy, ICOM Italia later released a clarifying communiqué opposing such protest methods while urging museums to address climate crisis through sustainable initiatives and collaboration with climate activists. The article contrasts ICOM's initial nuanced position with ICOM Italia's more condemnatory stance, noting that the Italian committee, led by Adele Maresca Compagna, has the autonomy to express differing views. It also highlights that the Spanish committee had earlier labeled similar actions as vandalism. The piece argues for a constructive dialogue beyond binary opposition, citing Ultima Generazione's cooperative response to ICOM's statement.