Museum leaders embrace global standards

Protecting Cayman’s national treasures, preserving cultural heritage against the threat of storms and ensuring future generations have a voice in how the Islands’ history is told were among the priorities discussed at a workshop held at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands on 14 Oct.

The workshop, jointly organised by the National Gallery and Cayman Islands National Museum, brought together about 25 museum professionals, cultural representatives, board members and members of the public to examine newly revised international standards governing museums.

At the centre of discussions was the International Council of Museums Code of Ethics, which establishes professional standards for museums worldwide.

The revised code, adopted in June 2026, places greater emphasis on community participation, inclusion, sustainability, responsible collection management and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

National Gallery Director Natalie Urquhart, who also serves as an International Council of Museums UK trustee and overseas territories representative, said the changes reflect the evolving responsibilities of museums.

“These are the types of considerations that are now core and central to the code of practice, rather than being a wider expectation,” she said.

Protecting collections from natural disasters

Of particular importance to the Cayman Islands is the responsibility to protect irreplaceable collections against hurricanes, extreme weather and the longer-term effects of a changing climate.

Urquhart said institutions must consider what mechanisms and adaptive practices are necessary to safeguard collections held in trust for future generations.

Acquisition practices

The workshop also explored ethical acquisition practices, including verifying ownership and provenance before accepting historical artefacts or artworks.

National Museum Director Veerle Poupeye said the institution currently holds nearly 14,000 objects, most acquired through donations from the community.

She explained that collecting was not simply about accumulating objects, but ensuring each acquisition contributes meaningfully to telling Cayman’s story.

Another important development is the greater emphasis on collaboration with communities, including the Sister Islands.

Poupeye acknowledged that the museum needed to rebuild active relationships with cultural institutions in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, ensuring their distinctive histories and traditions were properly represented.

AI: opportunities and challenges

Artificial intelligence also featured prominently, with discussions examining both its opportunities and ethical challenges.

The National Museum has already used AI to recreate historical figures Long Celia and Elizabeth Jane Trusty in an exhibition exploring their lives, despite no surviving images of either woman.

Urquhart said digitisation could also help preserve valuable historical information if original objects were damaged or destroyed.

Both directors emphasised that cooperation between Cayman’s cultural institutions was essential, particularly given limited staffing and specialist resources.

Urquhart said sharing expertise, training and resources would strengthen the sector’s ability to protect Cayman’s unique collections.

For Poupeye, the international standards also provide an important measure of public accountability.

“It also gives the public an idea of what they can expect from us,” she said.

The workshop forms part of continuing collaboration between the National Gallery and National Museum to strengthen professional practices and ensure Cayman’s cultural heritage is preserved, responsibly interpreted and accessible to generations to come.