WA Museum has proudly emerged as the 2023 institutional winner of the esteemed ICOM Australia Award, announced on May 16.
The International Council of Museums’ (ICOM) Australian Chapter announced the award just two days before International Museum Day, recognising the WA Museum for its outstanding work around the world in advancing the knowledge of the archaeology, history and conservation of maritime heritage, and for the Museum’s innovative approach to community involvement and co-creation in developing a new approach to researching and developing the WA Museum Boola Bardip in Perth.
The award acknowledged the Museum’s work with Aboriginal communities in WA, as well as assisting international partners – particularly in East and West Asia – to undertake research and conservation programs in maritime heritage.
Highly regarded in the museum and galleries sector, the ICOM Australia Awards honour institutions that demonstrate exceptional achievement, innovation, and community engagement. The Awards coincide with the globally celebrated International Museum Day, which highlights museums’ importance as cultural institutions that foster dialogue, intercultural understanding, and the enrichment of societies.
It is a day to appreciate museums’ invaluable role in preserving heritage, promoting knowledge, and sparking curiosity.
Comments attributed to WA Museum CEO Alec Coles
“I am proud and delighted to receive this recognition from ICOM Australia. It recognises the achievements, hard work and dedication of many past and present staff at the WA Museum.”
“The Museum has a long and distinguished history in the field of Maritime Archaeology, largely on the back of the search for, and discovery of, the VoC, or Dutch East India ships that were wrecked along its coast. In 1973, the Museum was responsible for the first legislation anywhere in the world to protect maritime archaeology specifically.”
“We are equally proud of Boola Bardip and its contents, but most of all, we are proud of the way in which it was generated: six years of solid engagement with over 54,000 people, including representatives of some 60 different Aboriginal language groups.”
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The International Council of Museums is an international organisation of museums and museum professionals which is committed to the research, conservation, continuation and communication to society of the world’s natural and cultural heritage, present and future, tangible and intangible.
ICOM is a membership association and a non-governmental organisation which establishes professional and ethical standards for museum activities. As a forum of experts, it makes recommendations on issues related to cultural heritage, promotes capacity building and advances knowledge. ICOM is the voice of museum professionals on the international stage and raises public cultural awareness through global networks and co-operation programmes.
ICOM is the only global organisation in the museum field.
- 45,493 professionals
- in over 138 countries
- with 119 national committees
- and 32 international committees
