The first principle of the Code of Ethics is Public Engagement and Public Benefit.
Where public engagement is defined as a two-way process, involving interaction and listening, with the goal of generating mutual benefit.
Where public benefit is defined as any activity or process that delivers meaningful benefit to the public an organisation serves.
Museums and those who work in and with them should:
- actively engage and work in partnership with existing audiences and reach out to new and diverse audiences
- treat everyone equally, with honesty and respect
- provide and generate accurate information for and with the public
- support freedom of speech and debate
- use collections for public benefit – for learning, inspiration and enjoyment
The exercises that follow ask you to reflect on how this relates to your professional practice, and you will have the opportunity to watch others within the sector talk about their projects and commitment to this principle.