Statement from Culture For Causes Network – organizer of MuseumWeek

The administrative leave of the entire staff of the IMLS (Institute of Museum and Library Services) in the United States is a deeply troubling development.As the U.S. federal agency responsible for supporting museums and libraries, this full shutdown raises serious concerns about the continuity of cultural and educational policy.

Museums, libraries, and cultural institutions more broadly are key contributors to a healthier digital ecosystem, by offering accessible, verified and verifiable content that fosters education and critical thinking.But their impact goes even further.

For years, Culture For Causes Network has highlighted the fundamental role of museums in reinforcing social cohesion: these spaces foster dialogue, connection, and mutual understanding. They also have the unique ability to tackle critical societal issues through emotion, cultural engagement, and storytelling — with a power that only art can offer.

As MuseumWeek 2025 approaches with its theme “learning togetherness”, this moment reminds us of the urgent need to support cultural institutions globally.

🎯 Join the movement:

– Become a MuseumWeek Ambassador: https://www.museum-week.org/become-museumweek-ambassador

– Pre-register your organization: https://museum-week.org

#Museums #Culture #SocialCohesion #DigitalTransformation #MuseumUnderThreat #MuseumWeek #TogethernessMW #WhatWorldDoWeWant