New Website Announcement: FEAM
FEAM has a new website! We invite you to explore our new portal, designed to offer a clearer and more accessible presentation about the Friends, the associations and the Federation. We have worked to make it easier for anyone interested to understand who we are and what we do.
Report: WE’RE NOT JUST A TREND: ART HAS ALWAYS BEEN QUEER. GUIDED TOURS & EVENTS ON QUEER PERSPECTIVES IN ART AT THE HAMBURGER KUNSTHALLE
“WE’RE NOT JUST A TREND: ART HAS ALWAYS BEEN QUEER. GUIDED TOURS & EVENTS ON QUEER PERSPECTIVES IN ART AT THE HAMBURGER KUNSTHALLE”
Change happens very quickly for those, who keep their eyes on the past. This seems to be especially true, if you look at Old Masters in an Art Museum, which show us a world that does not exist anymore – or has never existed?
Last Tuesday, Jenny Saitzek from the Hamburger Kunsthalle introduced us to a series of formats, that present a different perspective on art and that were initiated in 2022 related to an exhibition. “Femme Fatale. Gaze – Power – Gender” at the Hamburger Kunsthalle was the starting point to explore another view on history – a queer feminist perspective. This very successful exhibition gave the necessary courage to explore new topics, in the form of a Salon Fatale. Within the Salon, conversations about diversity, inclusion and queerness were initiated, laying the groundwork for what was to come the following year.
In her half hour talk, Jenny Saitzek laid out the four different formats that were organized by the Kunsthalle, namely:
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Queer Collection Tours
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Drag – Guided Museum Tours
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Queer Salon
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Pride Week
Jenny explored the team’s idea of introducing a queer gaze to the museum, and the doubts and difficulties that crossed their path in the process, even though the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. But one major assumption was, that the museum would need a queer collection to carry out such an event. She realized, during her work with the LGBTQ+ Community within the collection, that the museum can reshape its perspectives, by explicitly recognizing queer content and opening up to queer perspectives. This reframing emphasizes the fact that museums do not need to create a separate « queer collection » but rather, that it is possible to integrate and recognize queerness within existing works and collections.
Jenny Saitzek then provided the audience with a series of hard facts and data, that show how well received these events are – in fact, they are so popular, that the maximum capacity of participants is exceeded on a regular basis. She ended her talk with a key sentence for her experiences with her newly developed events: Success begins with courage and ends with luck.
© Sinje Hasheider

Summer Internship With Canadian Federation of Friends of Museums

Montreal, Canada
This Summer we have had the amazing opportunity to work as Coordinator interns at Canadian Federation of Friends of Museums (CFFM) offices at Maison Forget in Montreal! We have learned so much about working in the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums) sector and have made valuable connections with museum friends and professionals across Canada. In addition, we have had the opportunity to undertake many interesting projects and have outlined some of our favourites below!
Young Friends Network and Tour of the McGill Visual Arts Collection
We had the delightful opportunity to participate in a Tour of the McGill University Visual Arts Collection organized in collaboration with the Montreal Young Friends (YF) community this July. This event allowed us a unique opportunity to connect with Montreal YF Coordinators Audrey Gray and Qinglian Zhang, as well as YF members and; engage with McGill University museum professionals, fostering relationships and learning about the visual arts field. At the same time, we are coordinating the Fall event program for the Ottawa and Montreal YF chapters, and helping to expand YF to new cities across Canada.
Communications and Publications
As Interns, we have developed graphics, photos and story content for CFFM social media. We have also had the opportunity to write for many interesting CFFM-related publications. Anna is working on an article about Mr. Ghislain Picard (McCord-Stewart Museum Board President in Montreal) for the September issue of Volunteer Voices (CFFM’s monthly newsletter) highlighting his contributions to the cultural sector. Additionally, Madeline is writing a feature on a local museum volunteer for the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network Magazine and for the CFFM Newsletter, Au Courant.
Learning About Board of Directors
Anna participated in a CFFM Board Meeting in June and acted as the Recording Secretary, as well as prepared the Meeting Agenda. This was good experience in Board governance and procedures for the future.
Looking Ahead
In August, we are excited to be participating in an Indigenous Allyship workshop to learn about personal and professional pathways to Indigenous reconciliation. This experience will equip us with the tools to be more effective allies to Indigenous communities both while working at CFFM and beyond. We are also helping to organize an evening of networking for Museum Professionals at Maison Forget with the Canadian Museum Association.
Wrapping Up
We are grateful for this opportunity to intern at CFFM and are excited to apply what we’ve learned in our future endeavors as friends of cultural heritage and the arts in Canada!
Anna Boyd and Madeline Siaroff (both undergraduate students at McGill University in Montreal, Canada) during their CFFM Internship.
Stage d’été avec Fédération canadienne des amis des musées
Par Anna Boyd et Madeline Siaroff
Montréal, Canada
Cet été, nous avons eu la chance de travailler en tant que coordinatrices stagiaires dans les bureaux de la Fédération canadienne des amis des musées (FCAM) à la Maison Forget à Montréal ! Nous avons beaucoup appris sur le travail dans le secteur des GLAM (galeries, bibliothèques, archives et musées) et avons noué des liens précieux avec des amis et des professionnels des musées à travers le Canada. En outre, nous avons eu l’occasion d’entreprendre de nombreux projets intéressants et nous vous présentons ci-dessous quelques-uns de nos préférés !
Réseau des jeunes amis et visite de la collection d’arts visuels de McGill
Nous avons eu la chance de participer à une visite de la collection d’arts visuels de l’Université McGill organisée en collaboration avec la communauté montréalaise des Jeunes Amis (JA) en juillet dernier. Cet événement nous a donné l’occasion unique d’entrer en contact avec les coordinatrices des YF de Montréal, Audrey Gray et Qinglian Zhang, ainsi qu’avec les membres des YF, et d’échanger avec les professionnels des musées de l’Université McGill, favorisant ainsi les relations et l’apprentissage dans le domaine des arts visuels. En même temps, nous coordonnons le programme des événements d’automne pour les sections d’Ottawa et de Montréal de la FJ, et nous aidons à étendre la FJ à de nouvelles villes à travers le Canada.
Communications et publications
En tant que stagiaires, nous avons développé des graphiques, des photos et du contenu pour les médias sociaux de la FCAM. Nous avons également eu l’occasion d’écrire pour de nombreuses publications intéressantes liées à la FCAM. Anna travaille sur un article sur M. Ghislain Picard (président du conseil d’administration du Musée McCord-Stewart à Montréal) pour le numéro de septembre de Volunteer Voices (le bulletin mensuel de la FCAM), qui souligne ses contributions au secteur culturel. De plus, Madeline rédige un article sur un bénévole d’un musée local pour le magazine Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network et pour le bulletin d’information de la FCAM, Au Courant.
Apprendre à connaître le conseil d’administration
Anna a participé à une réunion du conseil d’administration de la FCAM en juin et a agi en tant que secrétaire de séance, tout en préparant l’ordre du jour de la réunion. Ce fut une bonne expérience de la gouvernance et des procédures du conseil d’administration pour l’avenir.
Perspectives d’avenir
En août, nous sommes ravis de participer à un atelier sur l’allié autochtone afin d’apprendre les voies personnelles et professionnelles de la réconciliation autochtone. Cette expérience nous fournira les outils nécessaires pour être des alliés plus efficaces des communautés autochtones, à la fois dans le cadre de notre travail à la FCAM et au-delà. Nous participons également à l’organisation d’une soirée de réseautage pour les professionnels des musées à la Maison Forget, en collaboration avec l’Association des musées canadiens.
Conclusion
Nous sommes reconnaissantes d’avoir eu l’occasion de faire un stage à la FCAM et nous avons hâte d’appliquer ce que nous avons appris dans nos futurs projets en tant qu’amies du patrimoine culturel et des arts au Canada !
Anna Boyd et Madeline Siaroff (toutes deux étudiantes de premier cycle à l’Université McGill de Montréal, Canada) pendant leur stage à la FCAM.
FADAM News
FADAM NEWS | Marta Alvarez Molindi, Presidente
FADAM started the year with two highly expected cultural trips, one to the summer city of Pinamar and the other one to Corrientes, accompanying the art fair of that province.
On the outskirts of the city a great sculpture collector lived and a few years ago he decided to sell his entire collection. The company that created Pinamar and other places decided to purchase all of them and place them in public locations such as the golf course, the hotel, the nursery, and the streets. The visit included trips to art venues and an emblematic hotel in a nearby town. Nearly 40 people attended.
We paid special attention to the Friends Association of the Historical Museum of Pinamar, which is continually striving to secure a larger and dedicated space to exhibit the city’s history.
During the visit to Corrientes, activities were held with members of the four friends associations of the city’s museums, visiting private collections and attending conferences. All of this is part of the training plan that FADAM develops for its more than one hundred federated friends associations.
Similarly, the monthly meeting of delegates was held at the renovated Centro Cultural Recoleta, an emblematic space located in the heart of Buenos Aires that has hosted the most important artists from the country and abroad.
Photos provided by María Eugenia Sosa, FADAM
Reflections and Gratitude: the 2024 General Assembly in Luxembourg
Welcoming friends of museums from all over the world to Luxembourg has been an absolute pleasure for the Amis des Musées Luxembourg. The enthusiasm and active participation in all the activities truly overwhelmed us. We believe our four-day program successfully showcased that Luxembourg boasts a rich cultural heritage and numerous exciting museums waiting to be explored.
The journey began with the Academic Session at Cercle Cité, featuring distinguished guests including HRH Princess Stéphanie of Luxembourg, Eric Thill, the Minister of Culture, Simone Beck, President of the Luxembourg Commission for UNESCO, Carolyn Forster, President of the WFFM and numerous representatives of WFFM members presenting their reports.
Attendees then enjoyed a guided tour of the Lëtzebuerg City Museum, first welcomed by Lydie Polfer, Major of Luxembourg and the museum director, followed by a delightful dinner at the museum’s restaurant.
The following day featured an insightful Executive Council Meeting at the National Museum of History and Art, with guided tours showcasing the national treasures of Luxembourg. This was followed by a visit to the iconic « The Family of Man » photo exhibition in Clervaux.
The evening was dedicated to contemporary art at the Casino Luxembourg – Forum d’art contemporain, where participants explored the exhibition « Forced Amnesia » and engaged with local artists and curators, concluding with a cocktail and performance-concert.
On Saturday, the focus shifted to the historical Musée Dräi Eechelen, discussions on engaging younger generations of museum friends and guided tours of the fortress’s history. Optional activities included a visit to the European Investment Bank’s corporate art collection. The day wrapped up with a contemporary art exploration at MUDAM, featuring visits, a poetry reading, an arty dinner and a bit of dancing.
The Congress concluded on Sunday with the General Assembly of the World Federation of Friends of Museums at MUDAM, followed by a guided tour of Villa Vauban and a lovely luncheon in the museum park.
Overall, the event provided a comprehensive and enriching cultural experience, facilitating the exchange of ideas on promoting art and cultural heritage and sharing experiences as friends of museums.
On behalf of all the Amis des Musées Luxembourg, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your enthusiastic participation.
Day 1 – 2 May 2024
– Academic Session at the Cercle Cité
– Visit of the permanent exhibition at the Lëtzebuerg City Museum
– Cocktail at the Lëtzebuerg City Museum
– Dinner at L’Hêtre, Lëtzebuerg City Museum Restaurant
Day 2 – 3 May 2024
– Council Meeting of the WFFM
– Visit of the Nationalmusée
– Visit in Clervaux of « The Family of Man » (Edward Steichen)
– Visit and dinner at Casino Luxembourg
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Day 3 – 4 May 2024
– Round Table at Musée Dräi Eechelen
– Lunch at Musée Dräi Eechelen
– Visit Musée Dräi Eechelen
– Council Meeting at Musée Dräi Eechelen
– YFM Meeting at Musée Dräi Eechelen
– Visit of the EIB Collection
– Poetry reading by Alice Notley at Mudam
– European Day of Friends of Museums Meeting
– Welcome and Introduction at Mudam
– Visit of the exhibition at Mudam
– Cocktail and Dinner at Mudam
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Day 4 – 5 May 2024
– General Assembly at Mudam
– Visit at Villa Vauban
– Lunch at Villa Vauban
– Portraits
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The Caspar David Friedrich craze
It’s a wrap! With the Easter weekend over, the anniversary exhibition Caspar David Friedrich. Art for a New Era officially came to an end and it is time to look back and reflect this exciting time.
In recent weeks and months, we have devoted ourselves to the art of our favourite Romantic artist, whose famous painting Wanderer above the Sea of Fog is housed in the Hamburger Kunsthalle – our home turf. This and many other paintings and drawings by the artist attracted a total of more than 325,000 visitors from all over the world, making it not only a record number of visitors, but also the most successful exhibition in the history of the Hamburger Kunsthalle.
The 250th anniversary of Caspar David Friedrich’s birthday can certainly be described as a hype that will be felt in various other exhibitions and events in Germany in the course of the year. The special feature of the Hamburg exhibition: in addition to numerous works from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, 20 contemporary artists were on display, some of which were based on Friedrichs Oeuvre and/or approached the relationship between humankind and nature in the same way as the painter did.
The adventure began with a grand opening and a speech by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who was also the patron of this exhibition.
Of course, the CDF hype did not leave us, of the association Freunde der Kunsthalle e. V., untouched – we’ve acquired more than 3.000 new members!
This was reflected in the response we’ve received from a wide variety of channels. Not only were the museum’s time slot tickets completely sold out, but so were our guided tours – what a positively challenging feeling.
As the Young Friends of the Kunsthalle, we (Shanice, Hannah and Laura) were well involved: helping hands were welcome in all areas.
For example the special opening we could arrange in December, when the Hamburger Kunsthalle opened its doors to the anniversary exhibition on a Monday exclusively for our members. This was the opportunity especially for those who wanted to escape the usual streams of visitors. We Young Friends were on site with our Bar 1923, where we served our Sparkling 100 cocktail – specially created to celebrate our association’s anniversary in 2023.
After booking time slots for guided tours months in advance, we got started with our Young Friends events in January. We were delighted by the high level of interest and the good New Year’s resolutions, which led to our available slots being quickly filled up. No wonder, as our series of guided tours started with a classic tour by Shanice and Hannah, which examined the highlights of the exhibition from different perspectives and also focused on the artist’s working methods.
In February, we invited the young members of the Bucerius Kunst Club to visit us as part of our friendliest format Chez Amis, which has now taken place for the third time in three years and always leads to lively mutual exchanges on the occasion of exhibitions worth seeing. After a brief general introduction, we explored with Laura the first floor and took a closer look at Friedrich’s classical works together with the neighbouring circle of friends, before moving on to the contemporary positions on the second floor with Shanice.
In March, our small series of guided tours culminated with Hannah’s tour KmK! Caspar meets climate, which focused exclusively on the contemporary positions and highlighted climate policy aspects in particular.
After many hours spent amongst paintings and drawings of Friedrich and his contemporary peers, this exhibition hast left a wanderer-shaped imprint on us, which we will carry with us for a long time to come. We are very thankful to have experienced this once-in-a-lifetime-exhibition.
PROGRAM: Council and General Assembly Meeting of the World Federation of Friends of Museums from 2 to 5 May 2024
We are pleased to present the program of the upcoming meeting including special arrangements for Young Friends of the Museums. Our Friends of the Museums association is associated with the six museums and art centres of the City of Luxembourg. You will be welcomed and guided by their directors, introducing what makes each museum and art centre unique and original. Click here to see interviews of the directors of the museums.
INVITATION & REGISTRATION FOR THE 2024 GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Young Friends of the Museums:
All visits will be accompanied by a guide for the Young Friends of the Museums. For certain meals, tables will be specifically reserved for the Young Friends of the Museums, to encourage dialogue. On Saturday afternoon, time will be dedicated to the Young Friends of the Museums, to discuss programmes that could be developed in the months and years to come.
Thursday 2nd May – Afternoon
The afternoon will start with an academic session in the presence of HRH Princess Stéphanie of Luxembourg and the Minister of Culture, Mr Eric Thill, who will address the participants as well as Florence Reckinger, President of the Friends of Museums of Luxemoburg and Carolyn Forster, President of the WFFM.
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Theme: Discovery of the history of the City of Luxembourg
Following the academic session, we will proceed to the Lëtzebuerg City Museum, where we will have a guided tour with Mr Guy Thewes, the museum Director. Telling the story of the city, its territory, and its population, from its origins in the 10th century to the present day, placing it in both a national and transnational context, lies at the heart of this institution’s mission, and this presentation will provide an initial insight on these angles.
Dinner will also be held at the restaurant of the Lëtzebuerg City Museum.
Friday 3rd May – Morning
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Theme: Discovery of the national treasures of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
During the morning, we will have a guided tour at the Nationalmusée um Fëschmaart (National Museum of History and Art), in the presence of its Director, Mr Michel Polfer. Located at the heart of the city centre, this museum, a space of over 6,000 m2, presents Luxembourg’s national archaeological, historical, and artistic collections. Thematic routes (Archaeology, Coins and Medals, Fine Arts, Decorative and Popular Arts) and temporary exhibitions resonate with both the museum’s own collections and societal issues, providing an overview of relevant themes in the Grand Duchy as a whole. We will also visit the exhibition of photos by Edward Steichen, a Luxembourgish photographer of international renown.
Friday 3rd May – Early Afternoon
After the visit, lunch and departure for the exhibition of The Family of Man in Clervaux. The Family of Man photo exhibition is a legendary element in the history of photography and globally recognised. Curated by Edward Steichen and first presented in 1955 at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, it is considered a manifesto for peace and equality among peoples, expressed through the humanistic photography of the post-war era. The collection comprises a total of 503 photos by 273 photographers from 68 countries. After touring more than 150 museums worldwide, the complete version of The Family of Man has been permanently exhibited at Clervaux Castle since 1994 and was inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World register in 2003.
Friday 3rd May – Late Afternoon
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Theme: Discovery of the Contemporary Art Centre
Our day will continue with a visit to Casino Luxembourg – Forum d’art contemporain. Founded in 1996, this venue showcases exhibitions on contemporary art through an international programme, primarily focusing on artists from younger generations. In contrast with many conventional museum programmes, the Casino Luxembourg operates as a laboratory for artistic experimentation and emerging trends. Its Director, Kevin Muhlen, will welcome us and introduce an exclusive artist performance for our group.
Dinner will be held at the Casino, followed by a festive evening.
Saturday 4th May – Morning
We will be welcomed by François Reinert, Director of the Dräi Eechelen Museum (Museum of the Three Acorns), where a round table discussion on the theme of transmission and inclusion will be organised, followed by two workshops. The ancient fortress hosting the museum appropriately contains a distinguished collection of armaments and military artefacts, however it is also intended as a centre for collaboration and research on historical and contemporary themes.
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Round Table: Next Generation
Topic: How to pass on the torch to the younger generations of Friends of the Museums
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Workshops / Discussions:
1. Best practices in communication
2. Friends of Museums: players in city culture
Lunch on the museum terrace.
Saturday 4th May – Early Afternoon
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Theme: Discovery of the fortress’s history
After lunch, we will have a guided tour of the Three Acorns Museum with its Director, Mr François Reinert.
Young Friends of the Museums: Meeting of the Young Friends of the Museums to share best practices, discuss young friends’ expectations and challenges. Debriefing of the morning round table. Focal point: Discussions on strengthening collaborations between national federations, among young friends’ groups.
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Optional visit of a Corporate Collection: Following the afternoon sessions, you have the choice between free time or visiting the collection of the European Investment Bank, in the presence of its curator, Delphine Munro. Advance registration necessary
Saturday 4th May – Late Afternoon
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Theme: Discovery of contemporary art at the Museum of Modern Art
Visit to the Mudam Luxembourg – Musée d’Art moderne Grand-Duc Jean, the Contemporary Art Museum of Luxembourg, with its Director, Bettina Steinbrügge, who will offer us a dedicated program.
The Mudam aims to be a leading museum for modern and contemporary art and an iconic institution in Luxembourg in terms of artistic and cultural excellence. Through its programmes, the Mudam promotes creativity, visionary thinking, openness, and broad participation in culture. Like Luxembourg, the Mudam draws on its situation at the heart of Europe, with a global outlook.
Artsy dinner at the Mudam.
Sunday 5th May – Morning
General Assembly of the World Federation of Friends of Museums at the Mudam.
After the General Assembly, visit to Villa Vauban, where we will be welcomed and guided by its director, Mr Guy Thewes.
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Theme: Discovery of the collections, largely donated by art enthusiasts and Luxembourgish collectors.
The exhibitions organized at Villa Vauban draw from the collections of the City of Luxembourg, which consist mainly of Dutch Golden Age works (17th century), on one hand, and French historical and landscape paintings from the 19th century, on the other. Paintings, sculptures, and engravings by European artists from the 17th to the 19th century complete the collection. The City of Luxembourg’s collections also include numerous works by Luxembourgish artists, especially from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Lunch in the garden.
Sunday 5th – Afternoon
Optional: Visit to the Mansfeld site.
The Mansfeld site includes the remnants of the castle and gardens, as well as the landscape created by the governor of the Duchy of Luxembourg, Count Pierre-Ernest de Mansfeld (1517-1604). Like the great figures he encountered at the Court of Brussels, Mansfeld used art and architecture to enhance his standing and influence. The result was one of the most important private residences of the Renaissance in the former Netherlands.
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This programme is preliminary and content may change. A finalized programme will be shared with attendees closer to the date of the Annual Meeting.
With the exception of the bus tour, we will walk or use Luxembourg’s public transportation system to visit museums and other attractions. In Luxembourg the public transport is free of charge.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to contact us: Luxembourg-2024@amisdesmusees.lu
The French Group Action Jeunes: a dynamic relationship between young people and museums

Meeting with Young Friends delegates, 50th anniversary of the FFSAM, Musée Cluny, Paris, June 2023 © FFSAM
Within the French Federation of Friends of Museums, the Action Jeunes Group, made up of 11 Young Friends of museums, is dedicated to three key objectives to create strong links between young people and the cultural wealth of museums.
1- Raising awareness and encouraging young people to join Friends of Museums associations
One of the main aims of the Action Jeunes Group is to make these associations more visible and attractive to young adults. They are working together on actions to highlight the opportunities offered by these associations, actively encouraging young people to join them and become members.
2- Facilitating the emergence and harmonious development of Young Friends sections
The Group also works to support the creation and development of Young Friends sections within associations, offering them advice, resources and guidance. In this way, the young people’s sections enable young people to meet up, exchange ideas and become actively involved in the association to support the museum.
3- Exchanging feedback and encouraging interaction between Young Friends
The Action Jeunes Group promotes exchange and interaction between Young Friends from different associations. The Federation’s annual congress is an opportunity for associations to come together to share their experiences, ideas and actions. The Action Jeunes group has set up a common annual theme for the Young Friends sections to encourage exchanges between young people throughout France. The annual congress concludes the work on the chosen theme, giving young people the opportunity to present and share their thoughts on the subject. This enables young people to share their experiences, ideas and actions. This initiative strengthens cohesion between the Young Friends sections, encouraging mutual learning and collective support.
These objectives can also be illustrated through an annual event, such as European Museum Friends Day, which is held on the second Sunday in October. This project, created by the European Federations of Friends of Museums, is an opportunity for associations to raise their profile by organising an event in their museum.
Young Friends sections are also invited to take part. For the first European Day in 2023, the Young Friends sections in Ile-de-France organised a competition on Instagram, offering the winners free membership of the section of their choice. The Young Friends of the museums in Aix-en-Provence, Poitiers and Vannes were also able to take part in the day, offering a variety of visits and activities.
The aim of the Action Jeunes Group is to foster a new era of community involvement and passion for museums, driven by young people.
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/amis_ffsam/
Website : https://www.ffsam.org/
Twitter : https://twitter.com/FFAmisdemusees
Young Friends delegates on stage in the Musée d’Orsay auditorium, 50 years of the FFSAM, Paris, June 2023 © Michel Astier
Honoring former WFFM President Caroline Serventy, 1930-2023

Caroline Serventy OAM
1930 – 11 December 2023
Conservationist and influential supporter of museums in Australia and internationally, Caroline (Carol) Serventy OAM passed away in December 2023. Carol and her husband, Vincent Serventy, were noted conservationists in the 1960s and 1970, and encouraged Australians to protect their natural environment.
Carol made notable contributions to the world of museums, beginning in 1972 when she chaired the committee that founded the Australian Museum Society (TAMS), with the goal of supporting the Australian Museum in interesting a broad spectrum of the public in the environment and its conservation.
In 1975 Carol was a prime mover in establishing the Australian Federation of Friends of Museums (AFFM), and became the first Australian President of the World Federation of Friends of Museums (WFFM) from 1997 to 1999, hosting a world congress of WFFM, ‘New Century, New Museums, New Friends’ in Sydney in 1999.
Carol was also instrumental in the formation of the Friends of the National Museum of Australia in March 1989. Her passionate advocacy for the Museum, along with other influential Australians, contributed to the decision by government to establish the National Museum of Australia, which opened in March 2001 on Acton Peninsula, Canberra.
2024 General Assembly Preview: About the Young Friends Network in Luxembourg
In 2017, Joana and Mélanie became part of the executive team at the Luxembourg Friends of Museums (Amis des Musées du Luxembourg) and co-founded the Young Friends of Museums section.
The “Amis des Musées” regularly organise guided tours across the six partner museums:
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Casino Luxembourg – Forum d’art contemporain
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Lëtzebuerg City Museum
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Mudam
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Musée Dräi Eechelen
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Nationalmusée um Fëschmaart
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Villa Vauban
These events extend beyond museum walls to encompass cultural institutions, art centres, artist studios, galleries, and more. Members are invited to openings, partake in complimentary guided tours, engage in lectures, and enjoy exclusive meetings with artists, curators, and fellow art and history enthusiasts. Additionally, they have access to art trips all around the world.
While the program caters to all members, Joana and Mélanie observed that young professionals struggled to participate due to their work commitments. To make the organisation more appealing to a younger audience, they created the Young Friends of Museums section and introduced a new activity format known as the “Arty Hours.” During these afterwork events, members aged 18 to 35 meet for guided tours of art exhibitions followed by socializing over drinks.
The Young Friends have also organised weekend excursions to cities like Paris and Brussels, enabling members to explore exhibitions and art fairs.
Currently, the Young Friends of Museums have 73 members and have lined one to two activities each month for the 2023/24 season.
Joana currently works as a digital and communication manager for the brand image promotion initiative at Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
Before joining the nation branding team, she used to be a lawyer in corporate litigation.
Mélanie currently holds the position of head of liaison overseeing VIP and Programme management for Luxembourg Art Week, the international contemporary art fair in Luxembourg. She used to be project coordinator for over 50 community lead projects in the Esch2022, European Capital of Culture, programme. She has contributed to several exhibitions organised by Lët’z Arles, which is a cultural organisation that each year supports and promotes Luxembourg artists at the Rencontres d’Arles photography festival.
Report: European Day of Friends of Museums 2023
On October 8, 2023, friends associations across Europe participated in the first European Day of Friends of Museums. The event engaged and energized federations with dedicated activities around a variety of themes. During a video conference on October 20, 2023, participants confirmed interest in planning a European Day of Friends of Museums for 2024 and shared highlights, including:
FRANCE (FFSAM)
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Approximately 40 associations participated in the theme of “Hospitality” in the museums
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Some associations doubled the usual number of visitors in the museum; others broke their membership records in a single day
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Smaller museums in smaller places reported good participation
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Read more about these highlights: Newsletter 1, Newsletter 2, Newsletter 3
ITALY (FIDAM)
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43 associations participated on the theme of “lived and represented landscape”
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FIDAM received three recognitions: patronage of the European Parliament and of the ministry of Culture, medal of the Presidency of the Republic, for the third time
PORTUGAL (FAMP)
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FAMP had a great turnout of about 40% to 50% of its associated groups
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Participants reported they are very enthusiastic about the purpose of creating the European Day and are sharing these news with their Friends
SPAIN (FEAM)
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45 associations used the logos for this day — especially in the media — and 25 organized dedicated activities
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Ministry, directors of museums have congratulated the initiative of the European day
European Day 2024
“Your museum, our passion “
The European Day 2024 aims to celebrate Friends of Museums groups throughout Europe and to give the Friends of Museums visibility and more recognition in an event that is specific to them and not to be confused with those organized by museums.
Museum enthusiasts across Europe – united in national federations of Friends of Museums within a worldwide Federation – inaugurated the annual European Day of Friends of Museums on the second Sunday of October 2023.
The purpose is to raise the profile of Friends of Museums in Europe on a single day when each association highlights the actions it carries out throughout the year and raises the profile of their museum. On the 1st European Friends of Museums Day, Sunday October 13, we shall emphasize that museums are a heritage to be enjoyed by all and we have a shared responsibility for their preservation and promotion.
Over a thousand friends of museums associations all over Europe participate. They celebrate the importance of museums as custodians of heritage, as spaces of encounter, and cultural enrichment for all. They are driven by passionate individuals who want to share and spread their enthusiasm. They support their museums in purchasing works of art, financing exhibitions and projects, and taking on important tasks in cultural education.
World Federation of Friends of Museums, WFFM https://thewffm.org/


Friends of the Museums Singapore 45th Anniversary Celebration – September 2023
Monday, 4th September 2023
🕙: 10 am – 12:30 pm
📍: Asian Civilisations Museum, Ngee Ann Auditorium & Foyer (Basement)
Programme
10 – 11 am: Browse the activity tables at the ACM basement foyer and connect with fellow FOM members & volunteers
11 am: Please be seated in the Auditorium for the welcome speech by FOM President Millie Phuah, followed by a keynote by Prof Tommy Koh
11.10 am – 12.10 pm: Monday Morning Lecture (MML) by contemporary artist Kanchana Gupta (Click here for more info on MML)
The event is free and no registration is needed. The Ngee Ann Auditorium at ACM for the MML has limited seating capacity and guests are welcomed on a first come first served basis.
Please save the date and we look forward to seeing you on 4th Sept!
Presentation & Statuts: 50th Anniversaire Fédération Française des Associations d’ Amis de Musées
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Allocution de Rima Abdul-Malak, ministre de la Culture
La ministre de la Culture s’adresse aux Amis de Musées
The French Federation is now “Fédération Française des Associations d’ Amis de Musées, but for the time being retains the acronym FFSAM.
All FOM regional groups and Young Friends join our board.
FFSAM Presentation Juillet 2023
FFSAM Statuts Juin 2023 VF
A propose de la FMAM
A proposito de la FMAM

FFSAM and its 50th anniversary 2 to 4 June
2023 WFFM GENERAL ASSEMBLY
On the year “Brussels, Capital of Art Nouveau”, the General Assembly of the World Federation of Friends of Museums was held in the Avenue Louise district of the town.
This artistic movement first appeared in Brussels at the end of the 19th century, before spreading rapidly to France and the rest of Europe.
From a cultural point of view, the meeting allowed the discovery of some emblematic monuments of Art Nouveau: the Horta Museum, the Hotel Solvay, the Hotel Hallet and the recently renovated Hannon House.
In addition to the institutional meetings, two topics have been the subject of conferences and exchanges: Young Friends of Museums and “Friends of Museums, influencers?”
After several preparatory meetings, the general meeting also approved the launch in 2023 of an annual European Day of Friends of Museums to raise the profile of Friends of Museums.


“Brussels, Capital of Art Nouveau”
On the year “Brussels, Capital of Art Nouveau”, the General Assembly of the World Federation of Friends of Museums was held in the Avenue Louise district of the town.
This artistic movement first appeared in Brussels at the end of the 19th century, before spreading rapidly to France and the rest of Europe.
From a cultural point of view, the meeting allowed the discovery of some emblematic monuments of Art Nouveau: the Horta Museum, the Hotel Solvay, the Hotel Hallet and the recently renovated Hannon House.
In addition to the institutional meetings, two topics have been the subject of conferences and exchanges: Young Friends of Museums and “Friends of Museums, influencers?”
After several preparatory meetings, the general meeting also approved the launch in 2023 of an annual European Day of Friends of Museums to raise the profile of Friends of Museums.