Ali Louguet

First of all, I would like to thank the Getty Foundation and the CIMAM Council for supporting my candidacy, which enabled me to participate in the CIMAM Annual Conference in this wonderful city of Barcelona from 18 to 20 November. Coming from an Ethnographic Museum, the conference was an opportunity for me to meet and share experiences with professionals from different countries and regions and to hear various views on the theme of the conference The Museums and Its Responsibilities.

By participating in this conference I also wanted to talk with professionals on my idea of creating a museum of contemporary art in my country. During my stay in Barcelona, I exchanged a lot on this subject and I think I can launch my project to create this kind of museum. Upon my return I proposed the idea to my director who gave me his agreement to better mature the project. During the three-day conference, I enjoyed the presentations and panels.

I realized that most museums in developing countries are experiencing the same problems. Notably problems of conservation and also problems of attendance.

The brilliant presentation by Mr. Calin Dan, General Manager of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Bucharest in Romania was very inspiring and triggered many questions related to attendance, especially for museums that are located next to the amusement parks. I personally enjoyed the various excursions in the many foundations that made me discover the city of Barcelona.

The CIMAM conference is unique and necessary; It not only offers an intense and rich series of lectures and presentations all relevant to our own work and context but also an opportunity to exchange common knowledge and problems and concerns.

Again, I want to thank the Getty Foundation and CIMAM for giving me the opportunity to participate in this incredible platform, and I nurture the desire to participate in the next conference in Singapore to continue discussions on my project.