Yuliya Sorokina

I visited CIMAM conference for the first time and have not another example of this event to compare. Nevertheless I visited many other conferences and can confirm that the conference in Tokyo was one of the best. It was very well organized and carefully structured within the theme of Global-Local Museums.

I really appreciate the dynamic of 3 days inputs and discussions, which follow first the issue of the museum as debate place, then opposition of global modernism and local modernity’s, then requests the possibility of global audience. It was logically clear done and constructed the grid for debates as well as thoughts of all participants, who discussed those thoughts not only during the panel discussion but also between themselves (the fact which again indicate exact focus of the conference). I also like the scenario of each day of the conference – it was fruitful enough for the highlighting of important cross-points of different views and opinions.

Special conversation deserved all the speakers of the conference, some of them have been very close to my circle of interests and beliefs. For me personally was very interesting to hear the presentation by Georg Schollhammer and Hedwig Saxenhuber about their experience in Kiev; by Shigemi Inaga within local modernism; by Slavs and Tatars about Eurasian approach; by Peggy Levitt within sociologic research for museum’s policy.

One of the critical issues of the conference I designate the absence of the vices of professionals from post-soviet territories, who have a very special situation in the field of contemporary museums and collections.

Among other things I appreciate cultural background of the conference – Tokyo and all museums, which we visited. despite the fact that 5 days are not enough for discovering an intensive cultural life of megapolice the program make sense of cultural identity of the city. A special experience of visiting Mori Art Museum on the 53rd flour of Mori Tower I will never forget.

Another important issue of CIMAM conference was network-creating communication of professionals from different parts of the world. This possibility I consider as really unique and I guess it is typical for all CIMAM conferences.

I am happy to have links and personal contacts with my wonderful colleagues. So, for me CIMAM conference was very useful and extraordinary helpful and finally just amazing!

Thanks a lot!