ICOM Italia's Role in Museum Future Debated

ICOM Italia faces criticism for failing to bridge museums with external stakeholders like businesses and citizens. Despite years of discussion, the association's activities remain inward-focused, prioritizing membership growth over genuine engagement. The author argues that ICOM's reliance on conferences as a communication medium is outdated and ineffective, as time-poor professionals seek more rewarding interactions. Proposed solutions include restructuring to delegate operational tasks to regional sections, developing differentiated dialogue methods for various stakeholder categories, and rethinking communication strategies only after internal changes yield results. Tiziana Maffei, the sole candidate for president, is an architect and professor at the University of Bologna's Ravenna campus, with a background in cultural heritage communication and security. Her election ratification is set for November 2, 2016.