Press Releases & Statements

The Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD), deplores the actions taken by Islamic extremists to destroy sacred and historically significant sites across northern Mali. The AAMD considers this an assault on the cultural and historical achievements of world civilization and humanity. As the organization representing the 215 largest art museums in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, AAMD deplores the tactic of demolishing distinct cultures and peoples, as well as attacking their places of worship, as part of any war or armed conflict. We call for the cessation of violence against people and villages, as well as culturally important sites. The region is home to a unique and irreplaceable cultural heritage, and AAMD strongly urges international engagement to halt these acts.