What is CIMAM?

CIMAM –International Committee of ICOM* for Museums and Collections of Modern Art– is a relevant international forum of professional character for the discussion of philosophical, ethical and practical issues concerning the collection and exhibition of twentieth and twenty-first century art.

Composed essentially of the directors and curators of modern and contemporary art institutions, CIMAM achieves its major objectives:

• the exchange of scientific information and cooperation between museums and between professional visual arts workers, at an international level;
• the advance of knowledge and understanding of the nature, functions and roles of contemporary art institutions as instruments of social and cultural growth;
• the development of professional standards; and
• the identification and effective response to the future needs and issues faced by institutions and the profession.

*Created in 1946, International Council of Museums (ICOM) is a non-governmental organisation of museums and professional museum workers established to advance the interests of museology and other disciplines concerned with museum management and operations. It maintains formal relations with UNESCO and has a consultative status with the United Nations' Economic and Social Council.

How is CIMAM run?

Run by elected volunteers, CIMAM is based on a transparent and democratic system of governance so as to encourage professional criticism and self criticism. At its centre lays the uncompromising belief that museums of modern and contemporary art, public galleries, kunsthalles and other related institutions have the potential to play an irreplaceable and vital role at the heart of contemporary life.

How is CIMAM financed?

CIMAM relies on a variety of funding sources for its activities – fees for services, subventions from ICOM, grants, donations and underwriting from sponsors – which enable the organization to share each year its programs with its members from around the world.