​The Balboa Art Conservation Center (BACC) has received a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or CARES Act grant in the amount of $52,417. BACC, the region’s only art conservation center, is one of just 317 organizations to receive funding out of 2,333 eligible applications throughout the country. As well, it is the only organization in San Diego to be awarded this CARES Act grant. The funds awarded will support the development of innovative tools, practices, and procedures at BACC, namely cross-training art conservators and implementing a virtual pre-examination program for art objects so that staff can pivot to provide programming and services during the COVID-19 health pandemic.

If you've had art treated at the Balboa Art Conservation Center you've probably met Emma Poggioli. As BACC's registrar and administrative assistant Poggioli is usually the first and last person our clients see.

Poggioli earned her graduate degree in public history at the University at Albany and a bachelor’s degree in history at the State University of New York at Oswego. Before she left for the west coast, she worked at the Albany County Hall of Records, the Safe Haven Museum, and the Storm King Art Center, all in New York. After landing in San Diego she worked as a visitor engagement associate at the San Diego History Center before joining the Balboa Art Conservation Center (BACC).

Here Emma shares her thoughts on what it’s like to work at BACC and be in a role that directly supports art conservation.