What do we mean with sustainability and how this concept can be part of a museum? For example, what is the environmental impact of building or renovating a museum collection? Conversely, can museums positively impact the viability and transmission of cultural expressions through good practices of cultural sustainability?
Sustainability in museums has emerged as a crucial concept that, considering environmental aspects, has embraced multifaceted perspectives and context-based strategies. It is a long-term goal and it embodies a holistic approach that incorporates social, economic, and cultural dimensions.
Francesco Aresti, 2024
The concept of sustainability has fascinated me since my studies and experiences in museums. The focus on sustainability is ever-present nowadays since it presents museums with many challenges and choices to make. For this reason, I decided to explore the different dimensions that sustainability encompasses for museums. I believe the topic of sustainability offers museums a broad range of opportunities to address priorities that are already integral to their missions. It is up to museums to demonstrate their ability to influence environmental, social, and cultural issues through collaboration with the communities they serve.
At its heart, sustainability is about setting priorities: determining what truly matters, both on a broad scale and within the unique context of each museum. Through their programmes and decisions, museums can enhance the relevance of cultural expressions, ensuring their safeguarding and flourishing for future generations.