Dan Hicks, a contemporary archaeology professor and curator at the Pitt Rivers Museum, joins David Frum from The Atlantic, Nigerian artist Victor Ihamenor, and art historian Bénédicte Savoie to discuss the complexities of repatriating the Benin Bronzes. They delve into the moral dilemmas of looted artifacts, the cultural significance of these treasures, and how colonialism affects current restitution debates. The conversation challenges listeners to reconsider museum practices and the ethical implications of cultural heritage preservation.

Bénédicte Savoy, eine bedeutende Kunsthistorikerin und Verfechterin der Restitution afrikanischer Kulturgüter, diskutiert die Ursprünge der Debatte um koloniale Kunst in Europa. Sie beleuchtet die Rolle ethnologischer Museen und deren Erbe. Ein provokativer Vergleich zwischen dem Humboldt-Forum und Tschernobyl regt an, über kulturelles Erbe nachzudenken. Savoy analysiert die Herausforderungen und Fortschritte bei der Rückgabe kolonialer Objekte an afrikanische Nationen und reflektiert über die Suche nach Identität im Kontext kolonialer Geschichte.

Leading figures in the art world, including Max Hollein, discuss hopes and concerns for the visual arts. Topics covered include the significance of museums, restitution of cultural heritage, autonomy in the arts, diverse narratives, and building a society based on love and joy. The importance of diversity, fair pay, and democracy in museums is highlighted. Ethical concerns of collaborating with Saudi Arabia and climate change in the art world are explored. Updates on the art market and the impact of activist art are discussed. The need for transparency and support for artists is emphasized.