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Collections Care

Our Approach

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​Our approach to collections care issues is comprehensive and broad based. The services we offer cover a wide spectrum, from environmental evaluation and storage design, to the formulation and implementation of complex treatment for works on paper and paintings, to technical analysis and support for art historical study.
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Preservation Planning
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Preservation planning is the cornerstone of a comprehensive collections care program. An effective collections care program is composed of a series of related activities that build upon one another over the course of a defined period of time. A collections care program begins with a general preservation planning survey, a professional review that provides an overview of all factors that affect collections care. The general preservation planning survey offered through BACC’s Western Region Field Service Program addresses all factors that affect collections care: staffing and training, policies and procedures concerning the use of collections, storage and exhibition conditions, the museum environment, security, and emergency preparedness. Prioritized recommendations specific to the collection and institution are included. The activities, tasks, and outcomes integral to successful preservation planning are described at collections care overview.

Planning Surveys
In-depth surveys provide a level of information beyond what is identified through a general preservation assessment.
  • A collection-specific survey centers on a specific subset or class of objects within an institution. As with a general preservation assessment, the conservator evaluates all institutional factors that impact the collection. The creation of a rehousing plan, which can support grant applications for such a project, is one example of an outcome of such an assessment.
  • An item-by-item survey provides a more detailed level of assessment for a specific group of objects and is generally undertaken in preparation for a treatment program. Treatment proposals, produced in preparation for a treatment program or  grant proposals to support such work, are logical outcomes of such as survey.
  • A hazard survey is the first step in developing an emergency preparedness program that is tailored to an institution’s specific needs and circumstances. Survey reports provide observations, recommendations, and resources to better manage and mitigate risk as well as to develop an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan.

Post-survey consultations with BACC conservators are used to identify institutional objectives. For institutions embarking upon a collections care program for the first time, or for those who do not have an up-to-date program in place, the next logical step is the drafting of a Conservation/Preservation Plan. This is a board-approved document that outlines prioritized or ranked conservation activities for a three-to-five-year period. The plan may include, by way of example, strategies for the rehousing of objects, an in-depth survey of particular classes of objects in preparation for treatment, or the acquisition of climate control monitoring equipment to assess the museum environment. For small to midsized institutions, Federal Grants are available to undertake specific projects to improve collections care, including the general preservation assessment and the development of a long-term preservation plan.

Funding
​​Institutions typically depend upon grant-based funding to support a range of preservation and conservation activities, from surveys to environmental improvements, to the treatment of individual objects. A long-range preservation plan that sets out tasks, time lines, and realistic goals is key to funding preservation projects. BACC can assist institutions with project design and identifying sources of support (visit this page to learn more). BACC also provides technical assistance and review of written materials at all stages of program development to ensure the most competitive grant application.

Next Steps
BACC staff has years of experience in helping institutions of all sizes, from small museums and historical societies putting in place their first collections care program to large institutions launching collection-specific initiatives that encompass a broad spectrum of conservation activity, such as surveys, rehousing, environmental improvements, technical analysis, research, and treatment. We are rooted in history, but use cutting-edge technology and best practices to ensure your institution will receive the best services and recommendations possible. 
Contact Us to Start the Process
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  • Who We Are
    • About
    • Equity & Inclusion
    • Cultural Entity Survey
    • Board
    • Staff
    • Contact
  • What We Do
    • Overview
    • Collections Care
    • COVID-19 Art Resources
    • Emergency Assistance
    • Preserve Community Art! >
      • Art of Activism
      • Preserving Chicana/o/x Art
    • Public Outreach
    • Treatment Gallery
    • Treatments Offered
    • Technical Imaging & Analysis
  • Work With Us
    • Getting Started
    • FAQ
    • Clients
    • Testimonials
    • Grant Writing Support
    • Job Opportunities >
      • Radical Equity Consultant
    • Fellowships & Internships >
      • Kress Fellowship
  • News & Events
  • Give
    • How to Support BACC
    • Donor Spotlight
    • Our Donors
  • Become a Member