Statement of Solidarity in reponse to Covid-19

As a representative of modern and contemporary art museums globally, CIMAM sends a message of support to all who are now grappling with extremely challenging times amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

The well being and health of our staff, our visitors and the many communities we serve, including artists and cultural producers, are of paramount importance.

As each museum deals with their local circumstances and their needs and requirements, CIMAM reaffirms the importance of access to our collective institutions and collections as a universal right. CIMAM also calls on all museums and collecting institutions to continue to support artists and independent cultural professionals whose livelihoods are being put at risk due to the closure of museums and cancellation of activities and events.

CIMAM will be sharing the experiences of museums, especially those in Asia who have had to respond as part of the first wave of the pandemic, with the aim of offering guidelines for best practices during this time while still providing access to art and culture which provides an important respite and a means to lift one's spirit. These guidelines are shared in the hope they can be useful to colleagues for when museums can resume daily operations.

In the meantime, many of our colleagues have already begun proactive innovative online programs to provide this access. CIMAM remains in solidarity with all to overcome this unprecedented global health crisis.

CIMAM – International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art