Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. RE: IADA Congress 2027 – Call for Papers (deadline 15th October 2026) 2. RE: Job posting: Head of Conservation and Science at the Art Institute of Chicago (Grainger Associate Vice President of Conservation and Science) 3. What is a Conservation Professional? Call for 2027 AIC Annual Meeting general session participation 4. RE: Symposium on Bookbinding Study (Rome), 26 September 2026 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Alberto Campagnolo Posted: Thursday September 10, 2026 10:22 AM Subject: RE: IADA Congress 2027 – Call for Papers (deadline 15th October 2026) Message: IADA Congress 2027 – Call for Papers - DEADLINE REMINDER Dear colleagues, A quick reminder that abstracts for the XVI IADA International Congress are due on 15 October 2026. The Congress marks 70 years of IADA and takes place in Arlesheim (Basel), Switzerland, from 23 to 27 August 2027. We welcome abstracts (up to 250 words, in English) for 15-minute presentations, 10-minute presentations (work in progress or practical tips), and posters. Topics of particular interest include cultural significance and ethics, skills and training and the practice gap, seventy years of IADA, sustainability and resilience, and innovation in research and practice. The full call, with submission requirements and the figure and portrait specifications, is in our earlier message. Abstracts are submitted through EasyChair (a free account is required): https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=iada2027 <https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=iada2027> Questions about the call can go to [email protected] <[email protected]>, and questions about the Congress itself to [email protected] <[email protected]>. With best wishes, ------------------------------ Alberto Campagnolo Assistant Professor, Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, KU Leuven Book Heritage Lab Director, Maurits Sabbe Library, Co-Director of VIEW (KU Leuven Core Facility) Senior Researcher, PRIMA – ERC Project, CESR - Université de Tours Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies, Research Associate & Advisory Council Member, University of Pennsylvania UCLDH & UCL Department of Information Studies Honorary Research Associate, London, UK Editor in-Chief: The Journal of Paper Conservation (1868-0860) Editorial Board Member: Manuscript Studies (2381-5329) Orcid: orcid.org/0000-0002-8672-8400 ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 07-07-2026 05:47 From: Alberto Campagnolo Subject: IADA Congress 2027 – Call for Papers (deadline 15th October 2026) IADA Congress 2027 – Call for Papers Date: 23-27 August 2027 Venue: uptownHall Arlesheim (Basel), Switzerland Abstract submission deadline: 15 October 2026 Submit abstracts here: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=iada2027 <https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=iada2027> (You will need to create a free EasyChair account to submit). Join us for IADA's historic milestone in Basel, Switzerland, as we celebrate 70 years of IADA at the XVI International Congress, 23-27 August 2027. The International Association of Book and Paper Conservators (IADA) Congress founded in 1957 as AdA has served as a quadrennial forum for research and development in paper and book conservation since 1967. Each Congress strives to offer diverse, comprehensive, and cross-disciplinary presentations spanning preservation, conservation, collections care, and the research and analysis of the world's documentary heritage and related disciplines. Submitted papers may cover a wide range of topics, from broad conceptual perspectives to detailed practical guides, to address the most recent developments in the field. We are particularly interested in contributions that highlight the latest research, innovative conservation techniques, and perspectives from emerging and established conservators, for example: ● Cultural significance and ethics: for whom are we conserving? Perspectives on agency, ownership, and the care of collections from diverse cultures. ● Skills, training, and the practice gap: sustaining manual skills across a career and navigating the boundaries of practice. ● Seventy years of IADA: how has the field changed, and where will it be in another seventy years? ● Sustainability and resilience: considering storage conditions, collections care, the environmental impact of materials, and crisis response to climate and political disruption. ● Innovation in research and practice: how does scientific and technical progress-new materials, methods, imaging, and digital approaches-inform everyday conservation decisions? Submissions Authors interested in presenting a paper should submit an abstract in English (up to 250 words maximum) by 15 October 2026. We invite authors to submit papers for the following formats: ● 15-minute presentations ● 10-minute presentations (work-in-progress or practical tips and guidelines) ● Posters (poster authors may self-record a video presentation [up to 15 minutes] that will be published on the IADA YouTube channel, and also give a 2-minute presentation at the Congress during the lightning poster round session) 15-minute presentations will be followed by 5 minutes of Q&A immediately afterwards, for a total of 20 minutes per presentation. For 10-minute presentations, all questions will be held at the end of the session. An International Technical Committee will guide and oversee the peer review of all abstracts. Please ensure that the submitted paper adheres to the chosen format and length. Papers presenting a specific method or product should include an unbiased description and discuss both the pros and cons. Please submit abstracts at https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=iada2027 <https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=iada2027>. For any questions regarding the call for papers, email [email protected] <[email protected]?subject=Question%20IADA2027>. For questions regarding the organisation of the congress, write to: [email protected] <[email protected]?subject=IADA2027>. Authors are requested to select the format of their paper (15-minute, 10-minute, Poster). Provide the following information: ● Name, email and/or postal address of the author(s), clearly indicating the corresponding author; ● Profession and affiliation of the author(s); ● Title and subtitle of the presentation; ● Type of presentation format (choose one): 15-minute, 10-minute, poster; ● Abstract (250-word maximum) of the presentation with references to included figures. The results, conclusions, and recommendations should be included in the abstract; ● Up to two figures (horizontal orientation, 300 dpi) with captions, including copyright ©. The image files need to be uploaded as SEPARATE files; ● Portrait photos (300 dpi) of the primary author(s), uploaded as SEPARATE file(s). Please note that the conference will be held in German and English with simultaneous translation for all sessions. The preferred presentation language is English. Journal of Paper Conservation (JPC) Presenters whose submissions are accepted for the Congress are encouraged to submit their papers to the Journal of Paper Conservation (https://tandfonline.com/toc/yjpc20/current <https://tandfonline.com/toc/yjpc20/current>). Authors who submit a publishable research paper, ready for peer review by 15 August 2027, will receive full reimbursement of the conference fee, at the editors' discretion, after online publication. For multiple authors, reimbursement will be valid only for the corresponding author. Please refer to JPC's submission guidelines at https://iada-home.org/journal-of-paper-conservation/submit-papers/ <https://iada-home.org/journal-of-paper-conservation/submit-papers/>. To submit a paper, follow the instructions at the following link: https://rp.tandfonline.com/submission/create?journalCode=yjpc <https://rp.tandfonline.com/submission/create?journalCode=yjpc> (state IADA2027 as the special issue tag). Papers can be submitted in German (or other languages), and JPC will cover the cost of a professional translation. Inquiries should be emailed to [email protected] <[email protected]?subject=IADA2027>. ------------------------------ Alberto Campagnolo Assistant Professor, Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, KU Leuven Book Heritage Lab Director, Maurits Sabbe Library, Co-Director of VIEW (KU Leuven Core Facility) Senior Researcher, PRIMA – ERC Project, CESR - Université de Tours Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies, Research Associate & Advisory Council Member, University of Pennsylvania UCLDH & UCL Department of Information Studies Honorary Research Associate, London, UK Editor in-Chief: The Journal of Paper Conservation (1868-0860) Editorial Board Member: Manuscript Studies (2381-5329) Orcid: orcid.org/0000-0002-8672-8400 ------------------------------ 2.From: Allison Langley Posted: Thursday September 10, 2026 12:29 PM Subject: RE: Job posting: Head of Conservation and Science at the Art Institute of Chicago (Grainger Associate Vice President of Conservation and Science) Message: Adding a direct link for application submission through the museum's website: https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/ART1010AICH/JobBoard/d263cd2b-c4ef-4e10-8876-a2896406a573/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=6a321fe4-a6bd-415c-a99a-21bece31b0e5 <https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/ART1010AICH/JobBoard/d263cd2b-c4ef-4e10-8876-a2896406a573/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=6a321fe4-a6bd-415c-a99a-21bece31b0e5>. ------------------------------ Allison Langley Director, Paintings and Frames Conservation The Art Institute of Chicago Chicago United States ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 09-09-2026 17:22 From: Allison Langley Subject: Job posting: Head of Conservation and Science at the Art Institute of Chicago (Grainger Associate Vice President of Conservation and Science) Head of Conservation and Science at the Art Institute of Chicago (Grainger Associate Vice President of Conservation and Science) About the Art Institute of Chicago The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity. About the Department Responsible for the treatment, research, and long-term preservation of over 300,000 works of art in the Art Institute's collections, the department of Conservation and Science is integral to the museum's mission to safeguard the world's artistic and cultural legacy for future generations. Founded in 1956 with a single painting's conservator, the department has grown to a staff of over 35 specializing in twelve disciplines organized in four divisions: Objects and Textiles (including mount making and preventive conservation) Paintings and Frames Paper, Photography, and Media (including books and Asian paintings) Scientific Research Members of the department contribute to the advancement of the field and the broader awareness of conservation issues through multiple avenues of specialized and societal dissemination, are involved in object-based teaching and scientific research, and actively support the education of future conservation and museum professionals. Position Summary The Head of Conservation and Science will report to the Deputy Director and Senior Vice President for Curatorial Affairs and leads the museum's conservation and scientific research program and its new Grainger Center for Conservation and Science. Oversees the care, treatment, conservation research, and examination of the museum's collection and the team of conservators supporting these efforts. As a key partner to the museum's eleven curatorial departments and Collections and Loans, makes conservation recommendations pertaining to loans, exhibitions, display, storage, handling, transport, acquisition, and deaccession of collection objects. Plans and directs workflows for conservation treatments and documentation and sets standards for conservation and scientific research of the collection based on knowledge of works of art and conservation best practices. In collaboration with Philanthropy, serves as an ambassador of the museum, inspiring and encouraging philanthropic support through compelling storytelling and public engagement. This leadership position develops and advances the museum's mission, including outreach, communication, capital programs, and in-gallery and digital initiatives with a focus on conservation and science. Builds the reputation of the Grainger Center for Conservation and Science, including public engagement through the Grainger Gallery and classroom; contributes to national and international dialogue on the care and research of artworks, advancing the museum's leadership in this field. Engages with the public, scholars, students, fellows, and peers to disseminate the research and activities of the department; fosters connections with academic partners; maintains active research and/or treatment profile. Develops and mentors the staff in conservation and science and supports the education of future conservation and museum professionals. Responsibilities Leadership and Supervision Provides key professional, intellectual, and operational leadership for the Conservation and Science department with direct responsibility for the treatment, care, documentation, and object-based research of the collection. Steers all activity and programming in the Grainger Center for Conservation and Science, including labs, classroom, and gallery. Advises museum leadership on the management and maintenance of the Art Institute collections on conservation and scientific research issues. Coordinates conservation activities museum wide and establishes the museum's conservation policies in consultation with the deputy director, Collections and Loans team, curators, and other relevant departments. Develops long-range plans for the department concerning staffing, budgeting, equipment, and facilities to meet collection needs. Oversees the department's strategic planning, facilities, and operations. Directly supervises the directors of each conservation specialty and provides support for all departmental personnel management. Uses discretion to organize and monitor work processes, resolve operational issues, and implement new procedures. Evaluates performance to ensure direct reports are equipped to perform their roles effectively and efficiently and provides professional development as needed, up to and including all levels of disciplinary action. Reviews applicant materials to identify candidates for interviews; conducts candidate interviews; provides recommendations as part of the hiring process. Sets priorities for publications, presentation, dissemination, and other research and outreach activities of the department. Actively stewards academic collaborations. Develops awareness within and outside the museum of the importance and needs of art conservation and object-based research. Treatment and Collection Care Maintains institutional and professional standards for safe handling, storage, installation, packing, and shipping of objects in coordination with the Collections and Loans team, specialists and technicians, and curatorial staff. Provides guidance on the environmental needs of the collection in galleries and in onsite and offsite art storage spaces, including for humidity and temperature control, lighting, air quality, and integrated pest management, etc.; works with conservators to manage the quarantine room. Oversees condition assessment program; advises curatorial teams and conservation specialty directors on appropriate treatment priorities that use the most up-to-date methods and materials. In partnership with the conservation specialty directors, oversees the work required for major reinstallations or moves of the collection. In consultation with the director of objects and textiles conservation and key senior museum leaders, stewards the Ferguson monuments fund and its related conservation activities and contracts. Seeks the assistance of outside consultants with specialized conservation and/or scientific knowledge when needed. Oversees all contracted conservation work both on and off the premises. Leads conservators' response to emergencies that occur in galleries or storage areas, in collaboration with curatorial, Collections and Loans, and Protection Services. Depending on the incumbent's area of specialty, maintains an active treatment and/or research profile. Exhibitions, Loans, and Acquisitions Directs processes concerning the examination of collection objects proposed for loan and related recommendations. Maintains communication with curators, Collections and Loans, and the Director's Office, and consults with the conservation specialty directors to coordinate activities related to loans. Oversees conservation requirements for exhibitions, including appointing conservators for exhibitions, the preparation of incoming and outgoing condition reports, and required treatments when needed. Consults with colleagues in Capital Programs and Exhibition Design to ensure that environmental requirements of artworks are met and casework and exhibition conditions meet preservation standards. Oversees conservation processes related to objects being considered for acquisition and deaccession. Supports the Conservation and Science team's contributions to the courier program. Facilities and budgeting In consultation with the Deputy Director and Finance, sets budgets; allocates and administers the department budget, including restricted funds for conservation. Works with conservation specialty directors and Capital Programs as appropriate to ensure facilities and equipment are up to date and meet the needs of an active conservation and scientific research program. Conservation records Oversees the creation and maintenance of all conservation documentation pertaining to the collection in the department's files. Shares copies in the museum's collection management database and digital asset management system in accordance with the highest archival and digital preservation standards. In consultation with the appropriate departments, sets guidelines for sharing of non-public conservation information outside the museum. Research Develops, prioritizes, and oversees short- and long-term conservation and science research projects. Assesses and fosters the application of new technologies for treatment and research. Sets priorities and recommendations for research collaborations with outside scholars and other partners. Communication, professional development, and dissemination Keeps the Deputy Director informed of the activities of the Conservation and Science department and provides regular updates on the progress of major treatments, staffing, development and other relevant projects. Disseminates conservation policies and procedures to relevant museum stakeholders. Sets publications and presentations priorities for the department, including museum publications and lectures, social media, and journals aimed at both professional and general audiences. Travels to attend conferences, presents papers, and confers with colleagues. Collaborates with the Director's Office and Legal to establish policies and procedures for advising patrons and trustees of the museum on conservation matters. Answers or delegates answering of public inquiries, if necessary. Collaborates closely with curatorial and senior staff across the museum. Serves on committees and undertakes special projects and responsibilities as appointed by the Deputy Director. Philanthropic Stewardship Works with the Director's Office and with colleagues in Philanthropy to pursue fundraising opportunities for the department and specific projects. Participates in and leads tours, lectures, special events, and other activities aimed at cultivating philanthropic support for the museum and the department. Training and Mentorship Actively engages in the professional development of the team. Identifies opportunities for training and professional development that can benefit individuals, the specialty, and/or the entire department. Supports mentoring opportunities for early- or mid-career training in conservation. Supports a robust internship and fellowship program in Conservation and Science that is integrated with the museum's interns and fellows cohort, as managed by Academic Engagement and Research. Qualifications Master's degree from a recognized conservation training program, museum studies program, or related discipline Minimum of ten to fifteen years of post-graduate experience, or equivalent training and experience Broad professional knowledge of conservation, conservation science, and collections care Successful track record in a management role in a cultural institution Excellent verbal and written communication skills as demonstrated by a track record of publications and presentations Proficiency with a variety of software platforms for administration, project management, and image processing Project planning and delivery skills Understanding of financial planning and management Fundraising skills and an understanding of philanthropy, research grants, and other funding sources preferred Strong national and international network in cultural heritage institutions and academia Compensation & Benefits Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package: Hiring Range: $200,000 - $225,000 Annually The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons. Benefits <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lXoRp-Na9GIG866vPauAI1vzijNlDKpBNKR8dtjyiWs/edit?tab=t.0> PTO Overview <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GubVe-8SeAE6MkMcCx6EWbYTQyUlOyiw_L8q4bRUOtg/edit?tab=t.0> Job Classification: Exempt Employment Category: Full time staff Grade Level: 12 If you are accessing this listing from a third party, not all links to salary and benefits information may work. Please visit our career page at saic/artic.edu/employment <http://artic.edu/employment> for complete information Application Instructions Please submit your resume and cover letter to be considered for this position. Accessibility If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page: Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants <https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/ART1010AICH/JobBoard/d263cd2b-c4ef-4e10-8876-a2896406a573/Accessibility> Equal Opportunity Statement The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at [email protected] <[email protected]>. ------------------------------ Allison Langley Director, Paintings and Frames Conservation The Art Institute of Chicago Chicago United States ------------------------------ 3.From: Sarah Scaturro Posted: Thursday September 10, 2026 8:51 PM Subject: What is a Conservation Professional? Call for 2027 AIC Annual Meeting general session participation Message: Dear Colleagues, For AIC's 2027 Annual Meeting in Albuquerque, we invite submissions for five-minute presentations in a general session exploring the question: "What Is a Conservation Professional?" The boundaries of who is considered a professional within our field have evolved over time, and this question remains both timely and consequential. Recent developments, including the vote that rejected expanding the body responsible for approving changes to our Code of Ethics, have underscored the importance of examining how we define professional identity, responsibility, expertise, and participation within conservation. This 75-minute session invites participants to offer five-minute responses to the question, "What is a conservation professional?" Following these brief presentations, speakers will engage in a moderated discussion and Q&A with one another and with audience members. We welcome contributions that reflect on the many perspectives, experiences, and pathways that shape the conservation profession today. To be considered for inclusion, please submit a brief response (250 words or fewer) addressing the prompt: "What is a conservation professional?". The link to the submission portal is here <https://www.culturalheritage.org/events/annual-meeting/current-meeting/call-for-submissions?_zs=XCaam1&_zl=UE7tA>. <https://www.culturalheritage.org/events/annual-meeting/current-meeting/call-for-submissions?_zs=XCaam1&_zl=UE7tA> ------------------------------ Sarah Scaturro, PhD Eric and Jane Nord Chief Conservator Cleveland Museum of Art Cleveland United States ------------------------------ 4.From: Athanasios Velios Posted: Thursday September 10, 2026 8:53 PM Subject: RE: Symposium on Bookbinding Study (Rome), 26 September 2026 Message: The registration is now open for this symposium and the programme has been updated. Please see the website for more information: https://www.ligatus.org.uk/summerschool/node/759 Many thanks to those who have messaged me already, the symposium will also be live-streamed if you would like to attend but cannot travel to Rome. ------------------------------ Dr Athanasios Velios Collections Data Manager English Heritage ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 09-06-2026 16:59 From: Athanasios Velios Subject: Symposium on Bookbinding Study (Rome), 26 September 2026 2026 marks 20 years of the Ligatus Summer School. A symposium to review and discuss ideas about the future of bookbinding study will be held on Saturday between week 1 and week 2 of the Summer School in Rome. 20 years of bookbinding studies - the contribution of the St Catherine's Monastery Library survey provisional programme - registrations to open soon - hold the date Saturday 26th Sep 2026 Istituto Centrale per la Patologia degli Archivi e del Libro, Via Milano 76, 00184 Rome - Italy For more information visit: https://www.ligatus.org.uk/summerschool/node/759 <https://www.ligatus.org.uk/summerschool/node/759> All the best, Athanasios Velios ------------------------------ Dr Athanasios Velios Collections Data Manager English Heritage ------------------------------ You are subscribed to "Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)" as [email protected]. To change your subscriptions, go to http://community.culturalheritage.org/preferences?section=Subscriptions. 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