November 11, 2025

ICOM General Conference 2025

We at Lord are very excited to participate in the ICOM Triennial – the world’s biggest museum gathering – in Dubai from November 11 - 17. We are excited about this conference because it is the first in the Gulf region, providing unparalleled access to museum professionals in the Global South where so many innovative museum ideas are emerging along with the growth of new museums and transformations of existing ones. This is well reflected in the conference theme: The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.

“As a global company with local roots, we understand the challenges of the dynamic changes museums are facing world-wide,” says Gail Lord, Co-founder and Partner, Lord Cultural Resources. “The ICOM conference is an incredible opportunity for thousands of museum leaders, curators, educators and researchers from over 130 countries to discuss, debate and  shape the future of museums. I’m thrilled to be participating this year along with Elisa Bailey Aiano, Senior Consultant.”

Lord Cultural Resources is committed to international cooperation among museums because, put simply, museums preserve the heritage of all humanity wherever we live; and communicate human perspectives over time and change. We have been committed members of ICOM for more than 40 years and we are honoured to participate in this historic Conference.

Join us at our sessions below, or reach to us at info@lord.ca to set up a time to connect directly.

Session B: Resilience, Resistance and Recovery 

November 12, 2:45 – 4:15 PM 
Speakers to be finalized soon

“This session explores the powerful role of sound and song as tools of resistance, resilience and remembrance across continents and histories,” says Elisa Bailey. “From concentration camps and partisan movements to a singing revolution and resilience in the face of genocide, presenters reveal how music and performance have carried voices of protest, preserved cultural identity and fostered solidarity in the face of oppression. Together, these stories show how music continues to connect people – past and present – through acts of courage, creativity and hope.”

Session C: Re-curation, Rethinking, Reimagining

November 13, 2:00 – 4:30 PM 

Records and Rebels: Sound and Music as Memory, Provocation and Hope

“From the soundtracks of the Civil Rights movement to the musical heritage of post-Communist Europe, music has always been a force for change, whether on the front lines or as a backdrop,” says Elisa Bailey. “My presentation explores how artists and curators use music to express memory and amplify stories of rights, resistance and hope in exhibitions, theatre and other cultural spaces.”

Strategic Planning for Your Museum Building Project

Thursday, November 13, 10:30 - 11:45am

“I am honoured to be one of four mentors in this session for young museum professionals, along with Dr. Charalampos Chaitas, Dr Anne-Marie Gilis and Dr. Carol Scott,” says Gail Lord. “Museums are always evolving – expanding, upgrading and reimagining their spaces, but success takes strategy. This session introduces key tools for planning museum buildings: visioning, designing for people and heritage, and adapting to changing communities. Learn how to guide projects from idea to opening, and ensure your museum’s spaces are built for the future. Bring your stories, questions, and ideas to share, and I will see you there!”