Decorative Arts and Interior conference opens at Carpet Museum

TThe organizers are the two international committees of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) - Decorative Arts and Design (ICDAD) and Historic House Museums (DEMHIST), Azertag reported. Deputy Culture Minister Sevda Mammadaliyeva wished success to the conference. Speaking about the work done to organize museum activity in Azerbaijan, the Deputy Minister said that in recent years, President Ilham Aliyev has signed more than 15 orders on the development of the museum.

She stressed that there are more than 250 museums in Azerbaijan. The conference allows local museums to get acquainted with working methods, new approaches and close relationships with foreign museum workers.

The Chairman of the National Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), Director of the Carpet Museum, PhD in Art Studies Shirin Melikova spoke about the activities of the committee. She noted that ICOM Azerbaijan unites national museums, scientists, artists, art figures, persons directly related to museum affairs and members of ICOM.

The main tasks of ICOM National Committee are to strengthen cooperation in the field of museum affairs and culture and to study the progressive experiences of foreign museums.

In her speech, Shirin Melikova stressed the role of museums in society in modern times. Pointing to the activities of the Carpet Museum, she spoke about the history, activities and projects implemented by this cultural center.

As many as 42 delegates from 14 countries, including Azerbaijan, Austria, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Japan, the USA, India, Egypt, the Czech Republic, Georgia and Turkey will attend the conference, which will last until October 12.

President of ICOM Suay Aksoy said that the Caucasus region is rich in geography, culture and art.

"ICOM's work has a strong moral goal. It is to create and maintain these relationships between different people and nations. Museums are indispensable for the protection of the global heritage. Museums play an important role in terms of environment, cultural, economic and social stability around the world. Museums also help us understand the past," said Aksoy.

President of ICDAD Helena Koenigsmarkova, DEMHIST President Elsa Rodrigues and other speakers noted the importance of the conference, the role of the museum in the organization of the work and exchange of views. The conference continued with lectures.

Presentation of the book "Art Structures from the Collection of the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum" by Shirin Melikova, published under the 2016-2017 program of member states with the support of UNESCO, was also held.