The White House announced the withdrawal from two international cultural preservation and arts policy organizations, deeming them ‘contrary to the interests of the United States’ and a ‘waste of taxpayer dollars.’ The International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA) are among the 66 entities from which President Trump decided to sever ties, as outlined in a memorandum dated Wednesday, January 7.
Based in Australia, IFACCA works with government arts agencies and researches topics impacting cultural policy-making, including arts funding and cultural labor. The organization is recognized for hosting the World Summit on Arts and Culture, where global artists and leaders discuss themes like artificial intelligence and Indigenous knowledge. IFACCA counts over 70 countries as members, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) from the US, which remains listed as a member on IFACCA’s site despite Trump’s previous attempts to dismantle the agency. Hyperallergic reached out to IFACCA’s executive director, Magdalena Moreno Mujica, and the NEA for their reactions.
Formed in 1959 to address the widespread loss of cultural heritage post-World War II, ICCROM specializes in disaster risk management and the conservation of historic sites and artifacts. Its initiatives include expert training, research leadership, and fostering international cooperation on preservation projects. In 2024, ICCROM partnered with the US State Department to protect Ukrainian cultural sites from Russian aggression. The organization expressed concern over the US withdrawal, noting it would directly impact ICCROM’s capabilities.
Hermann Parzinger, executive president of Europa Nostra, criticized this decision, especially following the US’s withdrawal from UNESCO the previous July. He described the move as a significant retreat from global cooperation, undermining culture’s role in promoting peace and innovation. Approximately half of the organizations listed in the White House memo are tied to the United Nations, many of which focus on clean energy and the environment. However, the memo also includes organizations working on counterterrorism and internet freedom, illustrating unclear priorities.
Critics caution that Trump’s extensive withdrawal from these global efforts could have negative implications for human rights. This move comes shortly after US actions against Venezuela and threats concerning Greenland, raising concerns about the president’s stance on international cooperation regarding critical global issues.
