Report shows growing levels of political interference in European museums

A report by the Museum Watch Governance Management shows that some European museums, primarily in Central and Southeast Europe, are “seen as leverage for reinforcing national identity” by politicians.

Created by the International Committee for Museum Management (Intercom) and the International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art (CIMAM), the report says that these museums are generally run by direct government control, rather than the arm’s length principal, compounded by governance arrangements in place for decades breaking down. It argues that history museums in particular can be used by politicians “to confirm their version of history and therefore as a means to influence cultural and international policy”.

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