FIHRM 2015 - Access is a Human Right Join us in New Zealand!
July 2015
We are delighted to announce that our next annual conference will take place in New Zealand in collaboration with the Museum of New Zealand -Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington New Zealand. The conference will take place in September 2015 and it is also supported by the New Zealand Human Rights Commission.
The theme of the conference will be 'Access is a Human Right' where will consider different notions of access from physical emotional to spiritual.
We will continually be updating the website about news of the conference will be coming soon.
FIHRM - INTERCOM 2014 - the Social Impact of Museums - great success!
May 2014
In May, nearly 200 delegates attended the FIHRM conference in Taiwan with many international speakers from around the world. The conference was based on the notion that museums have to be more active in trying to reconsider their social value so that they can fulfill their duty of social responsibility. INTERCOM together FIHRM discussed The Social Impact of Museums and underlying challenges in contemporary museum management looking at issues such as value, empowerment, social enterprise and memory and demonstrating value and impact.
In recognition of the excellent work and support from the Taiwanese Organising Committee, FIHRM is delighted to welcome conference organiser Professor Ying Ying LAI, Director, Graduate School of Arts Management & Cultural Policy, and Research Center of Museum Studies, National Taiwan University of Arts, as the FIHRM Council Member representing Asia.
FIHRM as been awarded the status of Affiliated Organisation by ICOM
February 2014
We are delighted to announce that FIHRM has been awarded Affiliated Orgnisation status by ICOM. ICOM President, Hans-Martin Hinz underlined the importance of human rights in today's society and felt it would be good to integrate FIHRM into ICOM. ICOM supports the idea that human rights issues should be at the forefront in museums, and that ICOM should be visibly supporting this.
David Fleming, Director, National Museums Liverpool and FIHRM President says: “I am delighted that ICOM has recognised the importance of FIHRM. The ICOM family of museums is huge and global, and being part of ICOM strengthens FIHRM’s aims to address challenging subjects collectively and to promote human rights in all nations.
Affiliated organisations participate in ICOM’s activities and contribute to the influence of the organisation and its network while maintaining their autonomy. We look forward to expanding our activities and contribute to the values of the worlds’ global museum network. FIHRM’s main activities are its annual networking conference and developing online resources to share between members.
Get in touch if you are interested in joining FIHRM and subscribing to our new Newsletter.
FIHRM 2014 Conference - The Social Impact of Museums - Call for Papers
After a successful conference in Rio in 2013, FIHRM is delighted to it will be joining INTERCOM (International Committee on Museums Management) again for its conference in 2014.
The event will take place in Taipei in Taiwan and together with INTERCOM we are working with the Ministry of Culture, Taiwan, Chinese Association of Museums, National Taiwan University of Arts, Federation of International Human Rights Museums.
The theme of the conference is The Social Impact of Museums. 21st century museum management is confronted with many social challenges. Museums have to be more active in trying to reconsider their social value so that they can fulfill their duty of social responsibility. We will discuss The Social Impact of Museums and underlying challenges in contemporary museum management in three key themes:
1. Museum Value and Valuation
2. Social Memories and Equality Empowerment
3. Social enterprise and working with communities
The aim of the conference is to use the museum as the platform for social harmony and develop our international network of museums and related organizations in three days of stimulating debate, networking opportunities and study visits in Taiwan. Full details on the three key themes can be found below.
For full details on the call for papers go to INTERCOM's website.
National Human Rights Museum in Taiwan - a new FIHRM supporter!
FIHRM is delighted to announce a new supporter - the National Human Rights Museum Preparatory Office in Taiwan. The National Human Rights Museum Preparatory Office is responsible for the Jing-Mei Human Rights Musem and Memorial Park and the Green Island Human Rights Museum and Cultural Park in Taiwan.
These museums tell the story of Taiwan's 'White Terror' and Martial Law periods (1949-1987), and of the political prisoners who were held there, often for many years.
We look forward to hearing more about the exciting work that this museum does.
FIHRM is going to Rio!
February 2013
As part of the 23rd ICOM General Conference which takes place in Rio, Brazil from 10 -17 August, FIHRM has joined with INTERCOM (ICOM Committee on Managment) to run a joint two-day session on Museums and Human Rights.
At the INTERCOM2009 meeting in Torreon, Mexico a Declaration was proclaimed that called attention to a museum’s responsibility to promote Human Rights:
INTERCOM believes that it is a fundamental responsibility of museums, wherever possible, to be active in promoting diversity and human rights, respect and equality for people of all origins, beliefs and background.
This Declaration is central to INTERCOM as it addresses the subject of changing roles of museums and current challenges in museum management. The Torreon Declaration has since been quoted throughout the international museum world. Museums need to learn new skills as the importance of social responsibility continues to grow. David Fleming, founding President of FIHRM, argues that museums should actively take a position on controversial and difficult issues. Museums should place themselves at the heart of debates and be open about political issues. Many museums, regardless of size or resources, share similar challenges in dealing with difficult and controversial subjects.
In these sessions we wish to look at recent and current examples of progressive work, in terms of combating inequalities, discrimination and other human rights abuses.
There is also a small bursary scheme to cove travel and accommodation for 2-3 delegates to speak at the session and attend the General ICOM Conference.
Download the call for papers (PDF)
Find out more
A new partner for FIHRM: the International Institute of the Inclusive Museum
FIHRM is delighted to announce a new partnership with the International Institute of the Inclusive Museum. The Inclusive Museum is a global platform for exchange for museums on key topics incuding social change, intangible heritage, sustainability and diversity.
The Inclusive Museum holds a major annual conference with speakers from all over the world to discuss the latetst issues and challenges in the museum sector and it publishes the International Journal of the Inclusive Museum. FIHRM is delighted to be a partner with this important organisation. Find out more
Art for Prosperity
February 2012
Malawi is a country targeted by the UN's 2025 Development Goal of extreme poverty eradication. Mike Gondwe (a FIHRM speaker in 2010 and 2011) and his team of three travel to regions in need and teach art, teach through art, advocate for art education in schools and the revival of traditional, sustainable crafts, and provide professional development.
Visit https://www.pledgeme.co.nz/Crowd/Details/63 to see a short film explaining Mike's project and a chance to make a contribution.
African History, Reparations, Healing and the way forward…..
February 2012
An Evening Panel Event
5.30pm – 8.30pm
Friday 10 February 2012
World Museum, Liverpool
You are invited to a panel evening with special guest speakers: Esther Stanford, internationally acclaimed Reparationist, Dr Kimani Nehusi, African historian and Dr Mark Ledwidge, political scientist. This panel of African-centred, community activists will discuss African civilisations, Kemet (ancient Egypt), the meaning of Reparations, healing the wounds of enslavement and the future. Chaired by Liverpool Councillor Anna Rothery.
Treasure House Theatre
World Museum
William Brown Street
Liverpool, L3 8EN
- Pre-booking is essential
- Free Admission
- Light snacks & Refreshments
To book, email [email protected]
Black History month 2011
October 2011
National Museums Liverpool ran an event for black history month (BHM), a very powerful and moving story about Herman Wallace, Albert Woodfox and Robert King (the Angola 3) who have been held in solitary confinement for almost 4 decades for attempting to speak out against inhumane treatment and racial segregation in Angola USA . Robert King, the only freed member of the group released after 29 years, attended our event on the 14th October. A film called In the Land of Free explores their plight, and its Director of the film Vadim Jean, also attended this BHM evening event. We screened the film and held a Q&A with Robert and Vadim. To find out more, and support the campaign see the website.
View pictures from our 'Angolan 3' event
FIHRM Conference 2010 publication available now
October 2011
Publication information
Title: Museums Fighting Human Rights
Editor: Gregory Chamberlain
Author: various
Cost: £19.95 (+ £5 shipping)
Published: September 2011
Publisher: Museum Identity
Book available on the Museum Identity website
Fleming ‘embarrassed’ by Human Rights Act debate
October 2011
David Fleming, Director of National Museums Liverpool, spoke this week in defence of the Human Rights Act during a conference in Liverpool for museums that fight injustice.
Read the full interview on the Museums & Heritage website
FIHRM 2011: Under the patronage of UNESCO
October 2011
We are delighted to announce that, for the second year running, the FIHRM conference will run under the patronage of UNESCO. The 2011 conference is also supported by ICOM and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
Conference now fully booked
September 2011
The forthcoming FIHRM conference which runs from 10-13 October 2011, is now fully booked.
Nearly 200 delegates will attend. This year's conference will focus on the theme: Fighting for equality: social change through human rights activism.
We are delighted that all tickets have been booked for the event which will see campaigners from around the world attending.
This is the second FIHRM conference for museums which fight injustice. FIHRM was launched in 2010 to bring together some of the world’s leading museums and organisations which deal with sensitive and controversial subjects such as transatlantic slavery and the Holocaust.
FIHRM 2011: second conference announcement
December 2010
Based on the hugely successful feedback of FIHRM's inaugural conference, we are happy to announce the second FIHRM conference to take place from 10-13 October 2011 at the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool.
More information coming soon!
Find more about the inaugural conference and papers and presentations.
New Council Members
November 2010
FIHRM is delighted to welcome to new members to the FIHRM Council to help develop our global network. Richard Freedman, Director of the South African Holocaust Foundation in Cape Town and Lonnie Bunch, Founding Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC joined the FIHRM Council this month. Find out more.
FIHRM Conference - huge success!
“A long overdue event – a fantastic concept with enormous potential for human rights and museums globally.”
“Inspiring conference – groundbreaking.”
The inaugural conference took place on 15+16 September 2010 at the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool, where 98 delegates from 19 countries discussed many perspectives on museums and human rights.
The conference ran under the patronage of UNESCO and the overall theme of the conference was Museums Fighting for Human Rights
ind more about the inaugural conference and papers and presentations.
Museums Fight for Human Rights
(Official Press relase) September 2010
Campaigners from around the world will converge on Liverpool for the first ever conference for museums which fight injustice.
The Federation of International Human Rights Museums (FIHRM) will have its inaugural meeting in the city on 15-16 September.
The conference will be coordinated by National Museums Liverpool’s critically acclaimed International Slavery Museum at the Albert Dock. It will welcome key human rights activists from around the globe.
UNESCO's Angela Melo to speak at FIHRM conference
July 2010
We will be delighted to welcome Ms Angela Melo, Director of the Division of Human Rights, Human Security and Philosophy at UNESCO to the inaugural FIHRM Conference.
Liverpool Hope University - new FIHRM Partner
July 2010
We are delighted to announce Liverpool Hope University as a new FIHRM partner. The FIHRM conference is supported by the Desmond Tutu Centre for War and Peace Studies at Liverpool Hope University.
Find out more about Liverpool Hope University.
Free the Slaves President confirmed as guest speaker at Conference
May 2010
We are happy to announce Kevin Bales, Founder and President of Free the Slaves as a keynote speaker at the FIHRM conference in September. Kevin will consider what role museums can play in active campaigning.
Find out more about Free the Slaves.
