Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements: 1. Support the Forum! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Discussions: 1. RE: Words matter: a glossary of terms and their perceptions by Israeli and Palestinian audiences 2. Icon Modern Materials / Book and Paper: Autumn Talks (1 of 4) 3. RE: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Concurrent Session Proposals (Deadline: August 21st, 2025) 4. Extention of deadline for registration: 16th conference of the ICOM-CC Wet Organic Archaeological Materials Working Group 5. Senior Conservator at Simon Gillespie Studio (London) 6. Last Day to Register for Online Workshop "Inclusive Mentorship: Practicing" 7. Tue 8/26 10am ET MOXY: Plasma-generated Atomic Oxygen for the Cleaning of Sensitive Cultural Heritage Surfaces ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Announcements: 1. Support the Forum! This forum relies on donations to remain a moderated space. Please support our work with a donation to either the general fund or the CoOL fund! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Discussions: 1.From: Helena Jaeschke Posted: Monday August 18, 2025 6:05 AM Subject: RE: Words matter: a glossary of terms and their perceptions by Israeli and Palestinian audiences Message: I agree wholeheartedly with Alexandros Koukos' posting. Our professional bodies need to issue statements protesting the genocide and the deliberate destruction of heritage. ICON issued a statement in Feb 2024 https://www.icon.org.uk/resource/icon-s-statement-on-the-destruction-of-cultural-heritage-in-gaza.html protesting the destruction of heritage, but could add to it an update with a condemnation of the genocide and ethnic cleansing being practiced. IIC has yet to issue a statement. We should not allow genocide and the attempted erasure of a people and its culture to become normalised, or act as though it does not concern us. We must speak out. Helena Jaeschke ACR, FIIC Conservation Development Officer Museum Development South West United Kingdom ------------------------------ Helena Jaeschke, ACR FIIC Conservation Development Officer Museum Development South SWest Taunton UK ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 08-16-2025 15:28 From: Alexandros Koukos Subject: Words matter: a glossary of terms and their perceptions by Israeli and Palestinian audiences Dear AIC president, I understand that you may be under a lot of pressure by the AIC establishment to supress voices that speak openly about the Genocide committed by Israel in Palestine. However, with all due respect, I do not believe that circulating questionable glossaries helps promoting constructive and respectful dialogue within our communities. On the contrary, such actions create confusion and frustration, and they undermine both the freedom of speech and credibility of the organisation you lead. I would have rather expected from you an official statement condemning: the Genocide in Gazathe Terrorist attacks, killing of civilians, and illegal occupation of Palestinian land by settlers in west bankthe Racial Segregation and Apartheid Policiesthe systematic and relentless Dehumanization and Humiliation of the Palestinians the killing of Palestinian doctors, health care staff and paramedicsthe killing of journaliststhe Imprisonment and Torture of thousands of Innocent civilians, including Children in Israeli prisonsthe demolition of hospitals, schools, mosques, churches, entire villages and townsthe Ethnic Cleansingthe imposed Starvation of millions of Palestinians and last but not least the destruction of Palestine's Cultural Heritage which brings us to the subject at hand.Palestinian monuments, archaeological sites, historic buildings, entire villages and cemeteries, museums and libraries, artefacts and manuscripts have been obliterated. These atrocities are well documented, despite Israel's ongoing efforts to destroy and distort the evidence. Should we remain silent while such deplorable crimes unfold before our very eyes? We chose this profession because we are committed to preserving heritage and culture -to safeguarding, from both natural and manmade destruction, the evidence of human activity embodied in objects, buildings, cities, and landscapes dating back to the dawn of humanity. These elements carry not only material value, but they are intricately woven into the language, religion, ethics, values, rituals, and arts of the civilisation that created them. Without them, there would be no proof that these civilizations ever existed. This is precisely what Israel has been seeking to erase in Palestine-its PEOPLE, its CULTURAL HERITAGE and HISTORY-since 1948 when it became a state, and even earlier, in 1917, with the issuance of the Balfour Declaration. From that moment onward, Israel has systematically targeted everything Palestinian, whether tangible or intangible. The infamous phrase "a land without a people for a people without a land" raises a critical question: if that were true, where did the millions of Palestinian refugees-displaced within their own country, across the Middle East, and around the world-come from? Now, more than ever, we must stand on the right side of history-not only as conservators, but as human beings. We must act to end this profound injustice. The Palestinian people must be freed, and their homeland restored and returned to them. This ongoing tragedy, perpetrated by Israel and enabled by its powerful allies, demands our collective conscience, courage and unequivocal condemnation. ------------------------------ Alexandros Koukos Photography Conservator The National Trust Liverpoo United Kingdom ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 08-05-2025 18:39 From: Corina Rogge Subject: Words matter: a glossary of terms and their perceptions by Israeli and Palestinian audiences Dear all, AIC values all our members, and we are dedicated to providing a community that embraces diversity and provides a welcoming and respectful environment where we can share, learn, agree, or disagree. We can, even when we are discussing fraught or emotional subjects, be respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences. Promoting constructive and respectful dialogue among our communities is an important and shared value. To that end, I want to share a valuable resource that has been put out by the International Press Institute: "Use With Care: A Reporter's Glossary of Loaded Language in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (attached as a pdf, also available for download here <https://ethicaljournalismnetwork.org/assets/docs/197/150/4d96ac5-55a3396.pdf>). The International Press Institute <https://ipi.media/about/> is a global network of journalists, editors and media executives who promote independent journalism and defend media freedom. Their document is an attempt to present a collection of terms which may be regarded as biased or can be misunderstood or are misleading, provide brief explanations as to why they are fraught, and suggest alternatives. The guide was based upon the analysis and work of six journalists and media experts from the Palestinian Territories and Israel and takes care to include both perspectives and explain the differences in perceptions of terms. I encourage anyone who engages in discussion of historic or modern events to read it; I have found it very educational and it has helped me understand nuances of terms I was missing and to be more conscientious in my own word choices. The words we choose, especially when discussing lived experiences, injustice, loss, or identity can open the door to meaningful dialogue, or create barriers and cause harm. Even the title of IPI guide uses a charged term "Conflict." Our shared goal as a community is not to silence or alienate one another, but to better understand one another and I hope this guide will contribute to this effort. Thank you for helping uphold a culture of care, curiosity, and respect--even in hard conversations. With respect and appreciation, Cory Rogge ------------------------------ Corina Rogge President of the American Institute for Conservation Director of Conservation The Menil Collection ------------------------------ 2.From: Laura Chaillie Posted: Monday August 18, 2025 6:07 AM Subject: Icon Modern Materials / Book and Paper: Autumn Talks (1 of 4) Message: Hi everyone, We're pleased to announce the first talk of ICON MMG's autumn series! Join New Delhi-based conservators Rattan Kaur Rainu and Ritwika Basak as they present a case study on the conservation of butter paper preparatory drawings. Friday 12 September 10.00 (BST) 14.30 (IST) Free for ICON members, £10 for non. It might be a little early for North and South Americans, but don't worry, recordings will be made available to all ticket holders. Details and tickets available through ICON here https://www.icon.org.uk/events/mmg-autumn-series-fragile-foundations-conserving-nature-of-butter-paper-drawings.html Any questions, please email iconmodernmaterials at gmail.com ------------------------------ Laura Chaillie Objects Conservator London Museum London United Kingdom ------------------------------ 3.From: Abed Haddad Posted: Monday August 18, 2025 6:07 AM Subject: RE: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Concurrent Session Proposals (Deadline: August 21st, 2025) Message: Hi y'all, Just a quick reminder that the deadline to submit proposals for Concurrent General Session programming (including possible panels or sessions with planned speakers) for the upcoming 2026 AIC Annual Meeting is the 21st of August. You can find more information on the call, themes, and time commitment here. <https://www.culturalheritage.org/events/annual-meeting/current-meeting/call-for-submissions> And the Google Form <https://forms.gle/6jTZEb8oQEnTNDZg6> to submit your proposals. We look forward to your submissions! With deep appreciation, Abed ------------------------------ Abed Haddad AIC Vice President (2025-2027) Assistant Conservation Scientist The Museum of Modern Art New York, NY ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 07-22-2025 23:25 From: Abed Haddad Subject: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Concurrent Session Proposals (Deadline: August 21st, 2025) We are pleased to return to Montreal for our 54th Annual Meeting! We will host a joint meeting with the Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property (CAC-ACCR) <https://www.cac-accr.ca/> in Montreal, Canada, from April 28 to May 2, 2026, under the theme: "Conservation at the Intersection of Innovation and Tradition" "Conservation et restauration: entre innovation et tradition" In the face of shifting political, social, ecological, economic, and technological landscapes, we find ourselves expanding the disciplinary boundaries of conservation in search of radical reinvention and clarity of purpose. For this meeting, we aim to create a generative space for exchange between the past and the future, acknowledging that continuity is not static, and bold and grounded experimentation is at the heart of honoring inherited legacies, which is essential for the sustainability of our field. We invite proposals for concurrent general sessions that explore how conservation practices can thrive at the edge of progress, experimentation, and reinvention with a through line of continuity, legacy, and community. While general thematic sessions are welcome, we strongly encourage proposals that demonstrate clarity and specificity in focus, scope, and case material. Please note that this is a call for concurrent general session proposals, the call for paper and poster abstracts will come later, and if your session is chosen, you will be expected to serve as the session's chair and to serve on the 2025 program committee, which includes reviewing talks submitted for your session as well as other general sessions. If you are interested in proposing a Concurrent General Session, please submit a short abstract (200 words) for this form. <https://forms.gle/6jTZEb8oQEnTNDZg6> You can also find this call in French here. <https://www.culturalheritage.org/events/annual-meeting/current-meeting/program/call-for-submissions/> Sessions are encouraged to address, but are certainly not limited to, the following themes: 1. Centering Indigenous and Local Priorities and Incorporating Traditional Caretaking into Contemporary Conservation Practices. Sessions highlighting approaches that honor sovereignty, cultural continuity, reconciliation, and restorative justice for indigenous communities globally, including: Ensuring greater and unrestricted access to collections, archives, and decision-making processes, and supporting restorative justice initiatives that acknowledge colonial histories and promote ethical stewardship. Elevating the conservation of immovable heritage, including sacred sites, landscapes, and place-based practices. Integrating intended purpose-spiritual, functional, or ceremonial-into conservation, exhibition, and preservation strategies, and incorporating traditional methods and materials in conservation treatments Confronting the strains that conflict and war place on the preservation of cultural heritage, the safety of practitioners, and the continuity of community memory and identity. 2. Reimagining Conservation Education Sessions that reimagine how we teach, learn, and share across borders by: Exploring new pedagogical and mentorship approaches, including community-led instruction, peer teaching, hybrid learning environments, and exposure programs at all levels. Facilitating mutual learning across institutions, including outreach to programs and professionals in Central and South America, Southwest and East Asia, and the African continent, to foster more inclusive, reciprocal, and regionally grounded networks of exchange. 3. Scientific and Technical Analysis Sessions that push the boundaries of what conservation science can do-and who it serves, showcasing novel or state-of-the-art approaches to material characterization, treatment development, and the study of artist practices by: Critically examine the use of artificial intelligence in conservation and collections care, including its implications for access, authorship, treatment, labor, and sustainability, among other topics. Studying diverse cultural objects and contexts, particularly those that are understudied or underrepresented in the literature and academic discourse. Promoting accessible, low-cost, and portable methods to support private practitioners and under-resourced institutions. Fostering a more fertile environment for advanced scientific exchange, encouraging collaboration across laboratories, regions, and disciplines to share methodologies, data, and insights. Pushing the boundaries in the application of novel and tried preservation and conservation methods, materials, and treatments through a lens of environmental sustainability and ecoconsciousness. 4. Dismantling Disciplinary Boundaries Sessions on practices that build bridges between roles, reshape professional hierarchies and demonstrate: Restructuring conservation–curatorial relationships through more collaborative models of interpretation and decision-making. Engaging with building engineers, management, exhibition designers, crate, frame, and case builders, scientists, curatorial staff, craftspeople, and artists, among other allied professionals, to better understand and act on exhibition or storage environment for collection care, including built and immovable heritage, with an emphasis on sustainable practices that critically examine past standards. Fostering dialogue and practice that transcend specialty silos-cultivating holistic approaches to cultural heritage preservation, encouraging cross-disciplinary knowledge sharing, and rethinking the relationship of specific materials or treatment approaches across disciplines, from the molecular to the macro scale. 5. Confronting and Tackling Challenges in the Field Sessions that explore the complex challenges currently facing the field and the profession, and that consider how we might respond and advocate through: Adapting to the limitations and possibilities brought on by the new realities resulting from political upheaval, worsening climate change, and a slew of financial challenges that include budget cuts, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and an increase in the cost of living. Charting the evolving roles of conservators, scientists, and other allied professions, both socially and institutionally. Acknowledging and proactively responding to mental health issues in the field and recognizing the unique challenges faced by early-career professionals and recent graduates. Examining working conditions, particularly in private practice, in terms of infrastructure, health and safety, emotional well-being, and other related concerns, and the role AIC could play in advocating for conservators, scientists, and other allied professionals. For more questions about chairing a session or serving on a program committee, please email Abed Haddad, AIC Vice President ([email protected] <[email protected]>), Tiffany Eng Moore, CAC President ([email protected] <[email protected]>), and Bonnie Naugle, Annual Meeting Program Lead ([email protected] <[email protected]>). We look forward to your submissions! ------------------------------ Abed Haddad AIC Vice President (2025-2027) Assistant Conservation Scientist The Museum of Modern Art New York, NY ------------------------------ 4.From: Ida Hovmand Posted: Monday August 18, 2025 11:57 AM Subject: Extention of deadline for registration: 16th conference of the ICOM-CC Wet Organic Archaeological Materials Working Group Message: Dear Colleagues, Registration for the 16th conference of the ICOM-CC Wet Organic Archaeological Materials Working Group has been extended till 31st of August! If you have not registered yet, there is still time to do so. The conference is hybrid which means you can register either as an in person or virtual participant. The conference takes place in Gteborg, Sweden 15th-19th September 2025. A great range of papers and posters will be presented. You will join a group of colleagues who are dedicated to the conservation of wet organics and love to talk about it! It is a great place to network and get inspiration for new projects, and to meet new (and old) colleagues to potentially collaborate with. To register please go to: https://icomcc-woam2025.org <https://icomcc-woam2025.org/> With best wishes, The conference Management Team. Venlig hilsen Ida-Christine Hovmand Ledende konservator Langelands Museum Langeland Kommune Tlf: 4563516312 Mob: 4551337092 www.langelandkommune.dk Nr du skriver til Langeland Kommune, behandler vi personoplysninger om dig. Se hvordan vi behandler dine oplysninger og hvilke rettigheder du har i vores privatlivspolitik <https://langelandkommune.dk/om-kommunen/kontakt-og-aabningstider/databeskyttelse/databeskyttelse-i-langeland-kommune>. 5.From: Simon Gillespie Posted: Monday August 18, 2025 11:57 AM Subject: Senior Conservator at Simon Gillespie Studio (London) Message: Hello, Simon Gillespie Studio is looking to hire a Senior Conservator of Easel Paintings, with experience treating modern and contemporary artworks. Some details about the role: Role: Senior easel paintings conservator with experience treating modern and contemporary artworks Opportunity type: Permanent, Full-timeSalary: 45,000-50,000 per annum dependent on experienceLocation: London SW9 0FJStart date: asap Key requirements for the role:A recognised qualification in the Conservation of Easel Paintings (or equivalent)At least 7 years experience post-qualification, including experience in conservation of modern and contemporary artworksExemplary interpersonal and communication skills, both with colleagues and with clients or prospective clientsFluency in spoken and written EnglishProficiency in accurately assessing the condition of works of art, and proposing treatments (including recommended preventive measures). Clarity in explaining the different options to clients, including advising on the best option if more than one course of action is availableAbility to work on conservation treatments both independently and as part of a team, including taking responsibility as an individual and within the teamAbility to provide specialist advice for storage, packing, transport and installation of works of art. A willingness to keep up to date with the latest conservation practices, to build expertise through research and formal training, and to share knowledge with the rest of the teamAnalytical and problem-solving skills and a pragmatic approachOrganisational and planning skills to effectively manage multiple projects and changing priorities/deadlinesAbility to mentor junior conservator colleaguesDay to day, you will concentrate on assessing, preparing and treating works of art within the studio. You will be working as part of a team, taking on responsibility and learning about individual cases. Applicants are requested to send a CV, portfolio and cover letter to [email protected] <[email protected]> Thanks and best wishes, Palmyre -- SIMON GILLESPIE LTD Fine Art Restorers & Conservators Offley Works 1 Pickle Mews London SW9 0FJ 020 7493 3900 www.simongillespie.com <http://www.simongillespie.com/> Simon Gillespie Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 08176741. Registered office: 104 New Bond Street, London, W1S 1SU Our terms and conditions can be found on our website. Liability: Simon Gillespie Ltd warrants that all reasonable care will be given to the property whilst in their custody but no responsibility can be accepted for loss or damage howsoever caused. It is the Client's responsibility to ensure that the property is covered by the Client's own insurance policy at all times including whilst consigned to Simon Gillespie Ltd. However, if specifically requested in writing Simon Gillespie Ltd will cover an item(s) under their own policy, subject to an insurance value being provided by the Client and specified on the consignment note. Simon Gillespie Ltd takes no responsibility for the valuation. If insurance is specifically requested and no insurance value is agreed, Simon Gillespie Studio Ltd's insurance is limited to GBP 25,000 for any one item, pair and/or set and we limit our liability to this amount. Simon Gillespie Studio Ltd insurance is subject to the terms and conditions of their insurance policy, a copy of which is available on request. 6.From: Kristine Markle Posted: Monday August 18, 2025 1:53 PM Subject: Last Day to Register for Online Workshop "Inclusive Mentorship: Practicing" Message: Today is the last day to register for the free online workshop, "Inclusive Mentorship: Practicing <https://learning.culturalheritage.org/products/inclusive-mentorship-practicing>." Knowing how to speak to your mentor/mentee in your own words creates a foundation of growth for both parties. In this interactive workshop, participants will develop strategies for sharing earned knowledge and reflect on key topics such as informed consent, inclusivity, and projections. The program will take place on Wednesday, September 10 at 12:30-2pm ET, and is the last event of the three-part Inclusive Mentorship series organized by AIC's Education and Training Committee. Learn more and register here: https://learning.culturalheritage.org/products/inclusive-mentorship-practicing <https://learning.culturalheritage.org/products/inclusive-mentorship-practicing> ------------------------------ Kristine Markle Washington DC ------------------------------ 7.From: Cristiana Acerbi Ginatta Posted: Monday August 18, 2025 8:29 PM Subject: Tue 8/26 10am ET MOXY: Plasma-generated Atomic Oxygen for the Cleaning of Sensitive Cultural Heritage Surfaces Message: If you haven't had a chance to register for the MOXY virtual presentation next week on Tuesday, please register now using this link: https://learning.culturalheritage.org/p/moxy It is the opportunity to explore the new AIC website. Great job, Bonnie, Ryan and AIC team! Registration is free for AIC members and students (you still need to register and go through the "purchase" at $0); $20 for non-AIC members. The speakers are generously volunteering their time and the funds raised will be used to support programs at the annual conference. Recordings will be available for registered participants. MOXY: Plasma-generated Atomic Oxygen for the Cleaning of Sensitive Cultural Heritage Surfaces Tuesday, August 26, 10-11:30 AM ET In 1997 two NASA scientists pioneered the application of atomic oxygen in the removal of lipstick from Andy Warhol, Bathtub (1961). MOXY picked up the baton in 2022 (and the two NASA scientists serve on the Scientific Advisory Committee). MOXY has developed an entirely new technology using radio frequency pulsed cold plasma to generate the AO at low temperatures and at atmospheric pressure, which is quite different from the 1990s NASA instrumentation. Participants will hear from the MOXY team about the research conducted since 2022 and the results achieved, such as removal of soot from a pastel. Questions from the audience are encouraged. Nina Olsson, Senior Researcher, ICOMOS-Lietuva Tomas Markevicius, Senior Researcher, University of Gent and University of Amsterdam Catarina Rochas Pires, PhD student, University of Amsterdam Kirill Shumikhin and Cecilia Campi, PhD students, University of Pisa For additional information: www.moxyproject.eu Now in its third year, the Horizon Europe MOXY Research Project (2022-2026) has developed a novel, environmentally friendly technology for generating atomic oxygen (AO) under atmospheric pressure conditions, enabling the non-contact cleaning of soot and other carbon-based soiling from sensitive cultural heritage surfaces. The experimental results are currently being analyzed and assessed to gain a deeper understanding of the AO cleaning and tailor AO for the cleaning of painted surfaces and other porous and sensitive materials. The MOXY project is part of the EU Green Cluster for Conservation Research and Science, a group of cultural heritage conservation research initiatives that investigate innovative approaches, methods and technologies that can transform conservation into a greener practice, achieving improved and safer results for the artwork, while lowering the impact on the environment and providing safer working conditions for operators. MOXY Senior researchers and PhD students will present talks on the AO plasma generation technology, the AO cleaning process, the practical operation of the instrument in the laboratory, the experimental application of atomic oxygen for cultural heritage materials, the analytical investigation of the interactions between atomic oxygen and cultural heritage materials, and finally some undesirable results, and unexpected new applications. A collegial open discussion and question-and-answer period will conclude the event. ------------------------------ Cristiana Acerbi Ginatta Conservator of Paintings Arte Viva LLC Dallas TX ------------------------------ You are subscribed to "Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)" as [email protected]. To change your subscriptions, go to http://community.culturalheritage.org/preferences?section=Subscriptions. To unsubscribe from this community discussion, go to https://community.culturalheritage.org/HigherLogic/eGroups/Unsubscribe.aspx?UserKey=d16eaa87-0f69-494b-9f2f-303dbc1222e1&sKey=fab9aa4f27a04c5d876e&GroupKey=757a8f16-505f-4323-8e74-e376757aa9f7.
