PRISM: an EU-funded project to Fight Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Objects, implemented by ICOM

ICOM Slovakia is one of the partners of the PRISM project, a three-year initiative (Prevention, Research, Investigation and Security in Museums) funded by the Directorate-General of the European Commission for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture and led by the ICOM Heritage Protection Department based at the International Secretariat in Paris.

The project’s partners represent key ICOM representations and members in seven countries in Europe: ICOM Estonia, ICOM Hungary, ICOM Latvia, ICOM Lithuania, The National History Museum of Romania, ICOM Slovakia and ICOM Ukraine.

Museums are unique in that they are knowledge-rich and reliable experts in heritage protection.  However, they can also be resource-poor and vulnerable to criminal activity. Both aspects must be considered to understand their role in preventing the illicit trafficking of cultural goods. In this regard, ICOM has long supported the global museum community in protecting and ethically managing their collections. Subsequently, combatting illicit trafficking in cultural goods has become a cornerstone of the organisation’s mission. Building on this commitment, PRISM action will help museums to develop operational tools to foster a better understanding of the illicit trafficking of cultural goods in Europe and help in its prevention regionally and beyond.

“When constructing this project with EU, we knew from the start that we would be able to rely on ICOM’s greatest strength: its network.” Sophie Delepierre, Head of the Heritage Protection Department at the ICOM International Secretariat

The first objective is the development of a tool that makes expertise available, easily accessible, and trans-national. This involves the upgrading of the International Observatory on Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Goods online platform, as well as regular meetings to facilitate the active exchange of information, knowledge and best practices between experts.

The second objective is the development of preventive and awareness raising measures for protecting and securing collections in Europe. This will be achieved through a broad range of activities that will improve understanding and raise awareness among diverse audiences. The activities will also include documentation and research in diverse museums, as well as better knowledge of the illicit traffic of cultural property in the respective countries of the seven partners.

In 2015, ICOM created the first International Observatory on Illicit Traffic in Cultural Goods in order to meet a widely expressed need: a central repository where the various stakeholders in cultural heritage, researchers, law enforcement agencies and the general public can obtain more information on the illicit trafficking of cultural property. As a permanent international platform for cooperation, the Observatory encourages collaboration and the dissemination of information, improves monitoring methods, data collection and scientific research, and promotes the development and exchange of best practices. With its database, it also constitutes an innovative tool that serves as an online information repository, bringing together numerous resources on the illicit trafficking of cultural property around the world.

As part of the strategic objective of the EU action plan against trafficking in cultural goods, ICOM Secretariat is upgrading the International Observatory in terms of its technical aspects, design and content. The aim of the revision is to facilitate better access to information, knowledge sharing and multinational cooperation. The project also plans to re-establish and expand links with recognised experts in the field, while integrating a new generation of experts at three meetings in Paris between 2025 and 2027, in order to ensure the scientific and operational relevance of the platform’s content. ICOM will build on the existing content taking advantage of its current qualities while introducing new features. The launch is planned for 2027.

Each national partner has chosen to develop a project that is designed to address the most pressing needs in their respective countries regarding the illicit trafficking of cultural property, ensuring a tailored response with maximum impact. Several of the partners will place particular emphasis on fostering the exchange of knowledge and expertise between museum professionals, law enforcement agencies, government agencies and other authorities as well as the general public.

For more information: heritage.protection@icom.museum

Website: https://icom.museum/en/heritage-protection/prism-an-eu-funded-project-to-fight-illicit-trafficking-of-cultural-objects-implemented-by-icom/