THE CONVERSATION
Why this session?
Care for collections can be one of the most moving stories a museum tells. This session explores how to invite the public into conservation work without turning sensitive treatment into performance.
In today's global context
Open stores and visible conservation labs are changing how audiences understand museums. The same openness raises questions about safety, consent and skilled labour.
Ten questions to explore
- Which conservation work can be safely visible?
- How do we explain an intervention honestly?
- What should visitors learn from a treatment?
- Where do privacy and cultural sensitivities apply?
- How can craftspeople share their expertise?
- What makes an open store accessible?
- How should uncertain attribution be displayed?
- Which tools support observation without disruption?
- How can schools join the care process?
- How do we value preventive care as much as repair?
Key outcomes we hope to shape
- Principles for public-facing conservation
- A visitor interpretation outline for care work
We welcome nominations from conservators, collection managers, craftspeople and museum educators and others with relevant experience. Speaker nominations are open.
Nominate a speaker for A06 →