AEJM Annual Conference 2024 in Amsterdam

From Crisis to Creativity: Resilience and Renewal in Jewish Museums

This year’s conference, hosted by the Jewish Cultural Quarter Amsterdam, will take place in Amsterdam from June 16 to 18.
The conference will focus on two topics that are particularly important in the current situation and must also be thought together. Dealing with the crisis because much has changed in the work of Jewish museums since October 7, 2023, both intentionally and unintentionally. The desire of Jewish museums to address the current situation, to show solidarity, and to make an educational contribution has also changed as a result of last year’s terrorist attack by Hamas and the subsequent outbreak of war. Since then, Jewish museums have experienced a new dimension of politicization and new challenges and hostilities, but also rising expectations due to a growing demand for education on anti-Semitism and the Shoah as a result of the recognition of a widespread anti-Semitic ideology that is experiencing a dramatic resurgence. The fundamental questions of how to develop the proper coping mechanisms and create a resilient environment within our community are important.
With the opening of the National Holocaust Museum of the Netherlands, the conference is also committed to the comprehensive educational mission and conceptual development of the newly created museum. It will examine methodological approaches, practical experiences, and programs that colleagues and our members offer. Other conference topics include the challenges and opportunities of traveling exhibitions and the question of restitution, focusing on commonalities and possible synergies in the field of colonial looted art.

Date: June 16 to 18, 2024
Location: National Holocaust Museum
Plantage Middenlaan 27, 1018 DB Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Information on the exact schedule, participation in professional sessions, excursions, and the general meeting will be provided to conference participants collectively and jointly after registration and about two weeks prior to the conference.

Registration for members: March 21, 2024
Open registration: April 1, 2024

Ticket Purchase

Hotel Recommendations
Please contact us for hotel recommendations.

Idea Fair
This year’s Idea Fair will be held again, following the concept of the last two years.
On the last day of the conference, during two breaks, you can present your projects to interested colleagues in a relaxed setting. We will provide a table and, if required, a power connection.
For submissions, please send an email to Jonathan.guenther@aejm.org by 16 May.

Preliminary Conference Program

Day I – Sunday, June 16
09:00 Opening & Registration
10:00 Introduction to the new National Holocaust Museum
10:30 Tours at the Hollandsche Schouwburg & National Holocaust Museum
12:00 Lunch
13:00 OPENING CEREMONY
13:30 Plenary Session I – Creating resilient Jewish Museums in a politicized world
14:30 Coffee Break
15:00 Professional Session I – Coping with crisis
17:00 End of Program

Day II – Monday, June 17
09:30 Plenary Session II – Shaping Vision: Stories behind the creation of the National Holocaust Museum
10:30 Short break
10:45 Plenary Session III – International Perspectives on Looted Art and Restitution
12:15 Lunch
13:15 Plenary Session IV – Introduction: Jewish museums’ reactions to October 7
14:00 Professional Session II – Workshops on Jewish Museum reactions to October 7
15:30 Short break
15:45 Plenary Session V – The Lost & Found platform on Jewish ceremonial objects – about the project
17:15 End of program

Day III – Tuesday, June 18
09:00 Plenary Session VII – I ASK method: new developments
10:30 Coffee break & IDEA FAIR
11:00 Professional Session III – Educational programs in the field
12:00 Lunch & IDEA FAIR
13:00 Strengthening connections between Jewish museums and their local communities
14:00 Challenges and opportunities for travelling exhibitions between Jewish museums worldwide
15:00 Feedback and reflections
15:15 AEJM Annual General Meeting
15:30 Departure Excursions

If you have any inquiries or questions regarding the 2024 Annual Conference, don’t hesitate to contact Jonathan Günther, AEJM’s Project Manager.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.