The fundamental guiding values of ethical museum practice.
1. Equitable and inclusive
Museums should be inclusive spaces, where everyone is valued and treated equitably and with respect.
Museums and those who work in and with them should:
- provide public access to and meaningful engagement with collections
- build equitable relationships with communities
- be respectful and have cultural awareness when working with communities, collections and workforce
- value their workforce.
2. Transparent and accountable
Museums should be open and transparent in all their activities, and those who work in or for them should act honestly, with integrity, and take responsibility for their decisions and actions.
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Museums and those who work in and with them should:
- ensure that decision making is open and delivers public benefit
- build open and constructive relationships with communities, workforce, partner organisations, funders and stakeholders
- responsibly manage and care for collections
- support freedom of speech, expression and debate.
3. Responsible and sustainable
Museums should act responsibly to ensure their long-term financial, environmental and social sustainability.
Museums and those who work in and with them should:
- maintain public trust and integrity in all museum activities
- consider climate impacts and social responsibility in all decision making
- treat museum collections as cultural, scientific or historic assets, not financial assets
- manage collections for the long term for the benefit of current and future generations.