“Conservation: Reactive and Proactive”
We work in a rapidly changing world. Globally, the economy is volatile, the marketplace demanding, and climate change is impacting the preservation of heritage sites as well as environmental control in museums. In institutions there is an increased focus on preventive conservation and experiential learning, which can mean a decreased emphasis on traditional conservation treatment and original materials. But conservation professionals are leveraging a wide skill set to respond to these challenges in creative and productive ways. From offering services that include but go beyond treatment, to focusing on sustainability, to utilizing materials science and technical art history in public education, professionals in our field are adapting and evolving. In 2020, we will explore ways we can anticipate and embrace change. How are you meeting your biggest challenges? Please join us to share your triumphs and to reflect on areas where there is room to grow.
The Wooden Artifacts Group WAG invites you to submit 500 max word abstracts, a 300 word max biography and contact details due September 16th 2019. Presentations will be held at the WAG specialty session and should not be any longer than 25 minutes. Abstracts on this year’s theme in relation to furniture, wooden objects, architectural woodwork, musical instruments, painted, gilded and varnished wood as well as lacquer work are encouraged. We also welcome abstracts focused on novel methods and practices, reviews of traditional conservation techniques and historical techniques, applied research and non-intrusive conservation techniques. Abstracts about ongoing projects or material research can also be submitted.
For a joint session with the Textile Specialty Group TSG we are seeking submissions addressing the conservation of historic interiors, upholstery and other areas at the boundary of textiles and wooden artifacts. This year’s theme invites us to consider that changing priorities are affecting conservators’ roles and long-term preservation planning. These priorities include issues of sustainability, increased emphasis on preventative care, connecting with wide audiences through educational materials and social media, etc. The joint session invites speakers presenting achievements and challenges, successful protocols, decision making processes, as well as cautionary tales.
Information on the submission tool and instructions can be found here:
For more general information go to: https://www.culturalheritage.org/events/annual-meeting/current-meeting/call-for-submissions
Applicants from outside of North America can apply for financial support. Applications are due December 15th. For more information on a scholarship see:
Please contact WAG chair Christine Storti cstorti@mfa.org or WAG program chair Carola Schueller cschueller@newportmansions.org should you have any questions.