CAPC NEWS
2010
EXAMINATION BOARDS
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
NEW MEMBERS
EXAMINATION BOARDS:
CAPC is planning to hold examination boards for new members during the next CAC Conference in Ottawa, June 12, 2010, however applications are welcome at any time of the year.
Please contact Michael O'Malley, michael.o'malley@.mcccf.gouv.gc.ca
Membership Chair, if you have questions about the Application Form or the application process.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:
Dear Members,
The New Year is upon us and the board of directors would like to take this opportunity to extend to all members our very best wishes for 2010.
One year ago in this newsletter, I wrote the following…”The impact of the economic downturn has been felt equally across both the public and private sectors and has given us lots of opportunities to reflect on the needs of the professions with a view to its long term sustainability.” This is as relevant this year as last. The loss of more public sector jobs as seen at the Art Gallery of Ontario last spring underscores the challenges facing the profession as a whole. This year at the annual conference of the CAC, a special session is being planned to look at the sustainability of the profession. Initially suggested by the ad hoc committee of emerging conservators of the CAC the session will address two different but intertwined issues: first, succession planning within the professional as many senior conservators are set for retirement, and second, the need to reposition the conservation profession within the heritage community to make it more broadly relevant. This session will help to raise the profile of these issues across the profession, stimulate dialogue and development strategies, strategies for viable knowledge transfer and strategies for demonstrating the value of conservation in order to justify public support, both monetarily and intellectually. Please feel free to forward any suggestions you may have for this session to me.
On March 12th of last year, the American Institute of Conservation (AIC) Board of Directors announced the result of its member vote regarding certification for conservators. 73% of eligible voters cast a vote and of these, 58.6% were opposed to a certification program while 41.4% were in favour. The AIC has announced that it will now cease work on developing a certification program for the foreseeable future in response to the outcome. This is a blow to the profession in general and CAPC as we were looking to develop alliances with them. Arguably it also puts some pressure on CAPC to look at a couple of areas of concern. First and foremost is the issue of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) as has been discussed recently on several levels. Secondly, we would like to review (not too rigorously at the moment) our process for accepting new members. The board is very sensitive of the need to maintain objectivity while being thorough and the process is independently audited to ensure it is fair and unbiased. However, improvements can always be made that may help to minimize the angst of a peer review and maximize the process’s objectivity. As a volunteer run organization there are restraints on our capacity to move issues forward and consequently a re-evaluation of the review process has not been possible. Again, this is a call to all members to step forward and assist in examining the issues and affecting change. Without a CPD policy, for example, reciprocal membership agreements with ICON for one will not be possible and with one our credibility as an organization will be enhanced both nationally and internationally.
And now for a little proselytizing! The Green Museums Initiative is gaining momentum and as part of the museum/cultural community, conservators can take a lead. The Initiative has a list of “Things you can do today” on the front page of their web site which would very easily allow you to contribute to the promotion of more sustainable practices within the work place, whether it’s an institutional or private lab. Although rather simplistic it is a “mind set” we should all be embracing
- Think Green. Think through practices and incorporate green into your plan.
- Ask how can we become more sustainable in our practices and life at the museum? What can we do now? What can we do in the long term?
- Decide to make healthier choices in practices as well as products and services.
- Believe you can make a difference in the life of your team, your museum, the community and for the earth.
- Dare to have a vision.
- Work daily to implement your green vision.
- Be social. Participate. Collaborate. Include others in your green work.
- Share. Be generous with your knowledge.
- Tell your story to colleagues, the press and most importantly your community.
- Be a leader. Be an example.
The search for a comprehensive insurance package continues. We are hoping to have something to present to the membership by the AGM In June.
As always, this organization exists to serve the membership and ultimately the community at large, functioning most productively and efficiently when there is involvement from all members. I look forward to your continued input and guidance and wish you all the best for 2010.
Greg Hill
President.
NEW MEMBERS
2009
The Board of Directors of CAPC are pleased to announce that the following conservators have met the eligibility requirements for accreditation and have successfully completed their Examination Boards:
Michelle Gallinger
Conservator. Specialization in paintings.
Marianne Webb
Conservator. Specialization in Lacquer, Polychrome sculpture and Objects.
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