The National Antiquities Authority is the authority tasked with guiding and supporting the museums in their work in developing disaster plans, but it is the museums themselves that bear the responsibility for developing contingency plans in the event of war.
- We advocate and recommend that the museums draw up guidelines for staff.
But it is also important that the plans do not end up in the wrong hands, says Erika Hedhammar.
"Takes time and requires money"
With Russia at war in Ukraine, more museums have begun to prioritize contingency plans in the event of war.
But so far, many museums lack a ready crisis plan.
- But we know that there are a lot of people working on this now, says Erika Hedhammar.
- This takes time, requires a lot of money, human resources and that the museums set aside time.
The museums also have other assignments to work with, which means that it has not always been prioritized.
But my feeling is that many have stepped in and started prioritizing it now.
Who bears the ultimate responsibility for contingency plans being in place at the museums?
- Everyone needs to work with their collection.
And the museums know best what could happen and what is valuable in the collections.
Right now we see that this is a priority area and for 10-15 years we have worked to support the museums regarding contingency plans in the event of fire and flood.
We have also developed templates, guidance and have tried to create meetings where we can work together and learn from each other.