The Salzburg Global Seminar, Schloss Leopoldskron, will convene its 453rd Session “Achieving the Freer Circulation of Cultural Artifacts” from May 9-14, 2008 in Salzburg, Austria

The Salzburg Global Seminar is an institution focused on global change – a place where innovative ideas lead to practical solutions. As an independent, neutral forum, the Salzburg Global Seminar engages current and future leaders in candid discussions to inspire new thinking and to pioneer strategies for change.

The purpose of Session 453 “Achieving the Freer Circulation of Cultural Artifacts” is to build consensus among cultural authorities and museum representatives from around the world on ways to overcome legal, political, and practical obstacles to the circulation of cultural objects—including, but not limited to—those which have been transferred from one country to another in known or unknown circumstances in the distant or more recent past.  Participants will work together to identify and assess new and better ways to promote the sharing of art and artifacts – from virtual access via “Second Life” to practical strategies for significantly expanding loan programs worldwide.  Whereas there are many museum conferences worldwide, few strive to bring together a multi-disciplinary, international group of participants for an open, informal exchange of thoughts and ideas in a neutral setting.  The Seminar will bring together an international group of museum professionals, cultural historians, scholars, and representatives from cultural ministries to develop a set of recommendations for overcoming political, social, economic, and institutional obstacles to cultural collaboration and exchange.

Scholarships are available for qualified applicants.