The charter (available in Dutch and French) highlights how museums are increasingly engaging with their social responsibilities while continuing to fulfil their core functions. It emphasises the need to consider the balance between museum operations and their broader societal role, particularly in light of current challenges and expectations.
Developed through a process of collective reflection and exchange among museums in Flanders, the document draws on both practical experience and international developments, including principles outlined by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
With this initiative, Flemish museums seek to foster dialogue not only within the sector, but also with policymakers, cultural organisations, communities and other stakeholders. The charter underscores that museums operate as public institutions in service of society and democracy, with a responsibility to contribute to civic engagement and social cohesion.
- Access Charter | Musea in dialoog met de samenleving. Actief, geëngageerd en wederkerig
- Access Charte | Les musées en interaction avec la sociéte. Action, engagement et réciprocité
The structure of this charter is as follows. Firstly, the museums wish to:
- Concisely define the core tasks of a museum (museum operations)
- Clarify that museums, as public institutions, fulfil a distinct social mission
- Emphasise that museums work in the service of society and democracy
Secondly, the museums set out five principles that further specify the social mission and the core tasks of museum operations. These principles are inspired by the ICOM Code of Ethics and are endorsed by the Vlaams Museumoverleg, FARO and ICOM Belgium Flanders.
