ICOM MPR 2024 Conference – CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS
Museum Communications at a Crossroads: Empowering Our Communities in Times of Change and Crisis
A joint conference from ICOM Marketing and Public Relations, ICOM Georgia, and Tbilisi Museums Union, with Academia Europaea Tbilisi Regional Hub and Georgian Museum of Fine Arts
4 – 7 December 2024 / Tbilisi, Georgia

Our conference will focus on in-person participation in Tbilisi, with limited opportunities for virtual or pre-recorded presentations. All presentations will be streamed live and posted on YouTube after the conference. All presenters will be expected to write an article for a post-conference online publication. There will be no registration fees for this conference. You may register via the online Conference Registration Form.

Conference Overview:

Join us in Tbilisi, one of Europe’s most historic and architecturally fascinating cities, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Located on the ancient Silk Road, Tbilisi has long been a key hub connecting diverse cultures and civilizations. This conference, organized jointly by ICOM MPR – Marketing and Public Relations International Committee, ICOM Georgia, and the Tbilisi Museums Union, will address museums’ crucial role in navigating periods of change and crisis.

We will create a conference environment that will enable participants to be inspired by keynote speakers and presenters and to dialogue with experts and colleagues on issues of importance to them. 

Rescheduling Notice:

Due to unexpected circumstances, we had to reschedule the conference. We apologize for any inconvenience and are deeply grateful to everyone who submitted proposals, applied for travel grants, and made plans to join us in September. We hope you will now join us in December. Many of your proposals can be adapted to the new themes.

Topics and Focus Areas for Presentations

Changes and crises present unique opportunities for museums to inspire hope and drive community transformation. As we face challenges such as, but not limited to, changing population demographics, pandemics, climate change, destruction of cultural heritage, and threats to democracy, we invite you to submit proposals that address how your museum uses communication and engagement strategies to empower communities and respond to these significant upheavals.

We welcome proposals for presentations that explore how museums are implementing innovative and inclusive approaches in the following areas:

1. Community Resilience and Inclusivity: How is your museum enhancing community resilience by ensuring that previously under-represented groups have full access to its resources, programs, and opportunities? What strategies are in place to ensure these groups feel valued and heard?
2. Fostering Dialogue and Collaboration: How is your museum fostering dialogue and collaboration among diverse populations and generations to promote tolerance, respect, and community cohesion? What innovative approaches are you taking to build bridges and encourage mutual understanding?
3. Promoting Civic Engagement: How is your museum contributing to responsible citizenship and leadership within a democratic society? What initiatives are in place to encourage active and informed civic participation?
4. Creating Safe Spaces: How does your museum facilitate safe spaces for exchanging ideas and perspectives among individuals from different backgrounds? What measures are taken to ensure these spaces support open and respectful dialogue?
5. Inspiring and Motivating Responsible Action: How is your museum inspiring responsible actions to address significant challenges such as pandemics, immigration, human rights abuses, and threats to democracy and religious freedom? What role does the museum play in motivating positive change in response to these issues?
6. Advancing Sustainable and Regenerative Development: How is your museum educating and enabling communities to address obstacles to sustainable and regenerative development and respond effectively to the impacts of climate change? What practices are being implemented to promote environmental sustainability and regeneration?

Focus Areas:

• Community Resilience and Museums: Explore how museums can enhance community resilience in response to social and environmental crises.
• Innovative Communication Strategies: Examine creative approaches to museum communications and engagement addressing challenges to public health, environmental sustainability, and democracy.
• Museum Adaptations and Best Practices: Discuss adaptations and innovations in museum operations and programming in response to contemporary crises.
• Role of Museums in Social Justice: Investigate how museums advocate for social justice and human rights.

Key Dates: 

• 15 August—15 September: Announcement of Conference, Call for Presentations, MPR Travel Grant Applications, Online Registration Opens (no registration fee). 
• 15 September: Deadline for Call for Presentations and Travel Grant Applications.
• 30 September: Notification of Proposal and Travel Grant Status. 
• 4 December: On-site Registration and Check-in, Walking Tours, Opening Reception
• 5-6 December: Keynotes, Presentations, Panels, Discussions
• 7 December: Excursion(s) 

Proposal Submission:

To submit your proposal, please complete the 2024 MPR Presentation Submission Form here. Proposals  include:

• A description (400 words) outlining the topic and its relevance to the conference themes.
• An abstract (150 words) for inclusion in the conference program and online if accepted.
• A brief biography (100 words) for each speaker.

Important Notes:

• Proposals will be evaluated based on their relevance to the conference themes and feasibility within the specified format and time allocation.
• A limited number of live-streamed or recorded presentations will be organized for those unable to travel, with preference given to in-person presentations.
• All proposals must be submitted in English. We may consider presentations in other languages if pre-recorded videos with English subtitles are provided, as requested by speakers.
• Presenters selected for the conference are expected to participate in the full event, whether virtual or in person.
• Presenters will be provided with the specifications for articles to be included in a post-conference publication.
• All presentations will be videotaped and posted on YouTube. 

Application Process:

Submit your proposal no later than 15 September via the 2024 MPR Presentation Submission Form.

We look forward to your contributions and to exploring how museums can lead and inspire through times of change and crisis.