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IMONDAY 27 MAY 2019

Fundacion Museo Arubano: custodian of local culture

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ORANJESTAD — With the adaptation and revision of Fundacion Museo Arubano
(FMA) in 2015 an important new chapter was initiated in the history of this institution.
ment on the island is the idea of value, where we can
This revision and expansion allowed for an additional Impetus to this organization observe a distinct difference when we speak of eco
that up to this point had directed the Historical Museum located In Fort Zoutman
nomic value and cultural value. With economic value we
(Oranjestad). For FMA it has always been an honor and great responsibility to follow
automatically think in monetary terms and exchange of
in the footsteps of those that had this mission at heart and contdbuted for decades
goods. However, when speaking of cultural value, we are
to the preservation of these monuments and acquisition of collections In order to In
addressing certain qualities that possess a much deeper
form and inspire the Awban public through exhibits and displays withIn these sfruc
meaning. Values, that cannot be translated into mon
hires.
etary transactions, but are nonetheless important and
beneficial to the general well-being and sense of value
Today we can proudly announce that our foundation consists of three museuh-is:
of a whole community. Our museums want to play a key
namely, Historical Museum, Industry Museum (San Nicolos), Community Museum
role in order to accentuate this cultural value and help
(San Nicolas), and an exhibit space Carnival Euphoria which will eventually be
connect the general public with it. There are important
come the Carnival Museum (San Nicolas) Furthermore, we have set as our goal, to aspects that become essential in this mission; for example
.
expand the structure of FMA in order to accommodate even more museums within
aspects such as the diffusion of knowledge, academic
this structure, thus facilitating our mission in relation to cultural and natural heritage
research, conservation of mqteriai and immaterial cul
of the island.
ture, as well as achieving a balance between focus pn
One aspect that has played an important role in recent years of rapid.develop
objects and focus on audience.
—— .—
The rapid pace of development end the effects of glo
balization have positioned museums once more in a posi
tion where local cultural awareness, authenticity, and The
attraction ot audiences become crucial. Museums can
no longer be passive and are obligated to re-examine
their position and role amongst the community they rep
resent, thus becoming true catalyst for social and cultural
charge. Furthermore, our museums will play an essential
role in this new scenario where the role of museum di
rectors and curators has shifted from the usual focus on
collect, preserve, and interpret to a focus or enlighten,
inspire and attract (audience).

Fundocio’ Museo Arubano has embarked on a reinvigo
rated mission that positions our cultural heritage at a cen
tral position within the Aruba experience. By achieving
this, it can become a model within the region, activating
cultural heritage in a participatory and audience based
manner. By forging strategic local as well as international
partnerships, EMA aims to position the island of Aruba as
a significant player whe- it comes to cultural heritage
and in this way become a true cultural destination. A
long overdue homage to the many blessings our ances
tors have entrusted with.