Museums, Ethics and Cultural Heritage – new book edited by Bernice Murphy

This volume provides an unparalleled exploration of ethics and museum practice, considering the controversies and debates which surround key issues such as provenance, ownership, cultural identity, environmental sustainability and social engagement. Using a variety of case studies which reflect the internal realities and daily activities of museums as they address these issues, from exhibition content and museum research to education, accountability and new technologies, Museums, Ethics and Cultural Heritage enables a greater understanding of the role of museums as complex and multifaceted institutions of cultural production, identity-formation and heritage preservation. Benefitting from ICOM’s unique position in the museum world, this collection brings a global range of academics and professionals together to examine museums ethics from multiple perspectives. Providing a more complete picture of the diverse activities now carried out by museums, Museums, Ethics and Cultural Heritage will appeal to practitioners, academics and students alike.

Bernice L. Murphy is the former National Director, Museums Australia (Canberra), and Chair of the ICOM Ethics Committee from 2005-2011. She is also former Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney (1984-2008). She served nine years (six as Vice-President) on the International Council of Museums Executive Council (1995-2004). She has published since the 1970s on exhibitions, art museums and contemporary art (including Indigenous art) and is the current editor of Museums Australia magazine.