Cristina Figueroa

The CIMAM 2018 Annual Conference main topic, The Future Intelligence of Museums and The Museum in Transition are undoubtedly imminent concerns nowadays in the art institution. With these objectives in mind, the conference program was strategically organized to be inclusive and diverse. How to rethink institution strategies and break old boundaries is an urgent need to our practice and that takes responsibility and collaboration.

Through the different workshops and panel discussions that took place at the Conference we were able to discuss and understand the international conflicts that are affecting the art scene locally and internationally. The open discussions gave us the opportunity to establish comparisons and common interests in each of our specific geographical areas. Of special interest was the discussion about the Museum Watch Program which intends to create a global network of knowledge and protection of freedom of culture and art practices worldwide. For me this was a particularly important topic since now we are passing through difficult times in Cuba struggling for freedom of art practices. The structures of the Art institutions in Cuba are lacking of interrelation and openness due to the closed and limited pyramidal structure. This Program in particular will help us to learn understand and prevent future incidents.

It was a great privilege to be selected to participate at CIMAM. This experience will definitely lead to future cooperation’s, between the institutions we represent. CIMAM has created a people to people link that is transcendental in order to create liaisons and also establish projects and contacts. In this everyday more digitally connected world, is important to keep the human touch, this is still the key point to networking and the outcome of international projects.