ICOM Europe, in collaboration with ICOM Slovenia, ICOM Italia, ICOM South East Europe, EGTC GO, and the GO! 2025 public body, invites you to the international conference GO! Borderless – Borderless Museums: Redefining Museum Narratives and Inclusivity. Taking place from 18 to 21 May 2025 in Nova Gorica (Slovenia) and Gorizia (Italy), this event is part of GO! 2025 – European Capital of Culture, the first-ever cross-border ECoC edition.

Once divided by war and political shifts, Nova Gorica and Gorizia now stand as a symbol of cultural cooperation beyond national borders. Under the slogan “GO! Borderless”, this partnership demonstrates how museums can contribute to reconciliation, dialogue, and shared heritage.

A Symbolic and Transformative Collaboration

Once a region of peaceful coexistence, multilingualism, and multiculturalism, Nova Gorica and Gorizia were torn apart by the devastating impacts of the First and Second World Wars. Their reunification under the European Capital of Culture 2025 title represents more than just cultural cooperation—it is a powerful statement on reconciliation, shared history, and the importance of cross-border dialogue in today’s Europe.

At the heart of this initiative is EPIC (European Platform for the Interpretation of the 20th Century)—a participatory museum designed to promote cultural dialogue, shared democratic values, and community engagement. EPIC reimagines museum narratives by amplifying diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity. It moves beyond traditional storytelling, creating a museum by the people, for the people.

Exploring New Museum Narratives

The GO! Borderless – Borderless Museums conference will focus on how museums can move beyond traditional models to foster inclusivity, civic engagement, and international collaboration. Discussions will center on:

• Museums as Borderless Platforms of Knowledge – Sharing best practices in cross-border cooperation.
• Ethics in Museums – Addressing curatorial dilemmas and ethical responsibilities.
• Museums and Communities – Strengthening local engagement and social inclusivity.
• Hidden Frontiers – Rethinking plural identities, history, and future perspectives.
• Transnational Museum Collaboration – Exploring strengths, challenges, and opportunities.
• Museums and the European Capital of Culture – Lessons learned and best practices from past and present ECoC initiatives.

With museum professionals, cultural policymakers, and researchers from across Europe, this conference will provide a forum for exchange, highlighting best practices and new perspectives on how museums can strengthen civic engagement, foster dialogue, and reshape the way history is told.

Join Us – Registration Now Open!

The conference programme is set, and we now invite participants to register and take part in the discussions.

🔗 Event Details: GO! Borderless Museums
📅 Program: View the Full Program
📝 Register Here: Sign Up for the Conference