Investing in Museums

FOR some nations outside the Philippines, particularly most western nations and developed countries, there has been an intentional effort to invest in the culture and arts. Part of these investments is the establishment or the strengthening of their museum systems.

According to the International Council of Museums (Icom), “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.” Hence, the celebration of International Museum Day every May 18.

Centered on the theme “The Power of Museums,” the International Museum Day, which is also observed by the National Museum of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, seeks to raise the awareness of the public on museums being “incomparable places of discovery.”

“They teach us about our past and open our minds to new ideas – two essential steps in building a better future,” the Icom said.

The organization said museums have the potential to bring about positive change in the communities through the power of achieving sustainability, the power of innovating on digitalisation and accessibility, and the power of community building through education.

“Museums have become innovative playing-grounds where new technologies can be developed and applied to everyday life. Digital innovation can make museums more accessible and engaging, helping audiences understand complex and nuanced concepts,” Icom said.

The National Museum of the Philippines, for example, has taken advantage of the power of social media to present digital exhibits in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Beyond presenting concepts or information to the public, museums play a key role in preserving the history of the country or locality it is in.

“Through its collections and programmes, museums thread a social fabric that is essential in community building. By upholding democratic values and providing life-long learning opportunities to all, they contribute to shaping an informed and engaged civil society,” Icom said.

In Davao City, there are currently two museums in development – the P200 million National Museum of the Philippines in Peoples’ Park and the city-owned Museo Dabawenyo.

The new Museo Dabawenyo will showcase the city’s political and cultural history. It will be established at the Doña Vicenta Park, within the compound of Davao City National High School.

These museums will allow Dabawenyos to learn more about the history of the city and its neighboring areas. This will allow residents and visitors to appreciate how the city came to be.

Museums are an integral part of the community that allows those who live in it to better appreciate how they have become as a community. We hope that the city and even the national government continue to invest in museums where we can learn about ourselves as a community and as a nation.