CIMAM supports ICOM's Statement on Museums and Climate Activism

CIMAM adheres to ICOM's Statement on Museums and Climate Activism. During CIMAM's Annual Conference, the President of CIMAM until 13 November 2022, Mami Kataoka, suggested in declarations to the media that they should not give visibility to protests against works of art, as activists "are using the power of the media" in their actions, which "show no respect for art."

Read ICOM's Statement: Museums and Climate Activism published 11 November 2022.

Mami Kataoka, former President of CIMAM, suggested Friday 11 November that the media should not give visibility to protests against works of art, as activists "are using the power of the media" in their actions, which "show no respect for art."

Speaking to the media in Palma as part of the CIMAM Annual Conference at the Museu Es Baluard, Kataoka reflected that these activists "invite the media to distribute as news" their protests, so she believes that journalists "could try not to make it news".

Kataoka has also expressed the concern of museum directors around the world to protect the works and the "inheritance" to future generations: "It is not something you can just throw a soup in," she lamented.

The Japanese expert is in Palma for the Annual Conference of CIMAM, which also celebrates its 60th anniversary and has been attended by the King of Spain, Felipe VI. CIMAM is the only worldwide association of experts in modern and contemporary art museums.

Kataoka has pointed out that carrying out this commemoration on an island "is very different" from doing it in a big city. "We want to hear voices from all over the world," she said.

In addition, Kataoka has valued the candidacy of Es Baluard for its "complex and diverse" values, stressing that contemporary art "reflects what is happening in the world".

Published originally by La Vanguardia on Friday 11 November 2022.