Course: CollAsia - Conservation of Heritage Collections in Southeast Asia

Organised by the Geological Museum of the Republic of Indonesia and the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), with the support of the Korean Cultural Heritage Administration, a course entitled CollAsia, focusing on the conservation and use of Southeast Asian collections, will take place in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, between 8 and 26 February 2016. Why? The CollAsia programme aims to conserve heritage collections in Southeast Asia, through conservation training and research activities to shape solid and sustainable conservation actions for the Asia-Pacific Region. The focus is on improving scientific literacy and critical thinking skills among the diverse professionals caring for Southeast Asian heritage collections. The existing challenge of balancing access to collections with conservation needs requires a renewed understanding of the requirements of different types of users, along with the risks to the collections involved. The digital world offers new opportunities but also has its limitations. The strengthening and preservation of links between intangible and tangible heritage would improve the user experience as well as enhance the management of heritage. What? The course will focus on the scientific principles underlying the past and present systems, materials and work practices, and the use and conservation of collections. Participants will be encouraged to share the traditional practices in their countries. The course will review, discuss and compare living cultural practices and current conservation approaches relevant to the theme of the course and encourage further research into developing innovative solutions. Exchange of concrete experiences and ideas will lead to sound and compatible practices of conservation and use of different types of collections. How? The intensive training activity will consist of lectures and interactive sessions, both in the classroom and around Bandung, with practical exercises. The working language will be English. Who? The workshop can host up to 20 participants, having at least 3 years of hands-on experience with cultural heritage in museums, archives, historic houses, natural history museums and other specialized collections. The course team will consist of specialists from the ICCROM network and beyond. Scholarships Scholarships covering round-trip travel, accommodation and meals in Bandung during the workshop will be available.   Applications to take part in the course should be sent by 26 October. For additional information and access to the application form, please visit http://www.iccrom.org/collasia-conservation-and-use-of-southeast-asian-collections/