Theme Sub-topic 1 Sub-topic 2 Sub-topic 3 Sub-topic 4 Sub-topic 5 Agenda Registration Theme：Museums for 21st Century Society If we talk about Museums for the Society of 21st century, we have at the same time to discuss museum policy, the status of museums within cultural policy - worldwide and state-by-state, strategies, multimedia and digital issues, tourism and cultural change on a global perspective. One of the most important issues for all museum professionals is the museums’ philosophy and ethics. The theme of the conference incorporates six sub-topics. The first five sub-topics will be discussed during a symposium on November 6th and 7th, and the last one will be discussed during a forum on November 8th. The five sub-topics are as follows:   Sub-topic 1: Ethics in relation to the Functions of a Museum The functions and tasks of museums world-wide are defined by the International Council of Museums (ICOM/UNESCO). If we ask after the status of a“cultural institution”– particularly concerning its position as a“museum”- we have at first to check the functions. They include: holding permanent collections, documentation, preservation, research, presentation, communication. The ICOM Code of Ethics plays a particularly important role in relation to each of the functions. With the growth in strength of“museum industry”development and function, the ethical and professional identity issues on which these encroach similarly become more complex and important. In this sub-topic we will investigate the theoretical concepts touched on by the ethical execution of each function, through case studies and learning analysis, facilitating our clarification of the core values of contemporary museums world-wide.   Sub-topic 2: Museology, Museums and Communication Under this sub-topic it is intended on the one hand to explore the application of communication techniques and theory, including the use of new media and new technology, different forms (such as visual images and written characters), and the communication between the languages of different cultural systems, in terms of their various learning structures. On the other hand it is intended to deal with the museum and the community and to explore possibilities of bringing together governmental interests and private sources in order to support (local and regional) museums. Furthermore the question arises of how to motivate the members of a community by activities in the fields of art, technology, etc. or even including them in museums’ conceptions and decision-making processes. In the museum field the participation of as many citizens as possible is always welcome.   Sub-topic 3: Museology, Museums and Intercultural Exchange Museums are generators of culture and future. Above that, they have to play an individual, social and government-related role, but also an intercultural and interdisciplinary role. Therefore, in an age of rapid museum development, we have to put particular emphasis on intercultural exchange and to promote international appreciation and acceptance. Museums in the 21st century have a“new”status as vehicles for integration in a multi-cultural-society. This sub-topic will investigate how museums present and respect the value of diverse cultures in a globalized environment, and how they can bring about an expansion of dialogue and exchanges between different cultural communities and groups.   Sub-topic 4: Museology, Museums and Contemporary Presentation Museums are show cases. Methods of presentation, one of the very important tasks of a museum, have changed a lot during recent decades. Museums introduce visitors to different cultural and natural issues by means of presentations, exhibitions, educational measures, services, etc., making them the most important medium for presenting at the same time the face of the past and contemporary cultures and art. They reflect cultural, social, technical and economic phenomena. This sub-topic explores the mechanisms, structures, vocabulary and message dissemination of contemporary exhibitions, in terms of their impact on contemporary society and the relationship between each. Beyond this, the “New Face” of recently founded Museums in East Asia (particularly in Taiwan, mainland China, Japan, South Korea and Hongkong) should be discussed.   Sub-topic 5:Museology, Museums and Heritage Museums are major movers and co-ordinators in preserving, managing and exalting heritage. The relationship between museums, cultural and natural heritage is expected to become closer. The museum is a place of custodianship not only of physical objects but also of abstract phenomena, especially capable of exerting itself as a balancing force in relationships between social structures. This also relates to the philosophy behind the heritage-preservation and to ideas about how the heritage can help to give artistic form to museums in future. This sub-topic will explore how museums at present position themselves in terms of heritage preservation and management, and how they benefit from new forward-looking ways of thinking and operating. It will engage in deep reflection on the role and function of museums in contemporary society.   TOP