Governance
The Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation is a joint initiative of the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Science and the Ian Potter Museum of Art in recognition of the potential for unique interdisciplinary collaboration in the field of cultural materials conservation.
The Centre brings together the broad academic expertise of the two Faculties with existing programs at the Ian Potter Art Conservation Centre, to explore new areas in instrumentation and analysis, policy and programs in the area of the preservation of cultural materials.
The aims of the Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation are to
- drive cross-disciplinary exchange and collaborations.
- lead and influence innovative practices within the cultural heritage sector.
- consolidate the use of the University of Melbourne Art Collection and other cultural collections on campus in teaching programs within the Faculties of Science and Arts.
- highlight the interconnections between cultural policy, conservation and the role cultural materials plays in the growth of social capital and community identity.
- increase knowledge of cultural materials conservation principles, methodologies and best-practice standards.
- contribute to national and international debates, protocols and conventions relevant to cultural materials conservation and the scientific investigation of cultural materials.
- emphasise an appreciation of cultural diversity, community sensitivities and a changing social context in the scientific and historical paradigms that exist within the cultural heritage and conservation sectors.
A key aim the Centre has is responsibility for the conservation of the University of Melbourne's collections of cultural material provides commercial conservation programs, treatments and advice for individuals and organisations; has a strong research track record and active research programs which include international collaborations; and delivers a range of academic programs including short course and post-graduate award programs. Another key aim of the Centre is to develop graduate research opportunities relating to the broader issues of cultural preservation, particularly as these relate to communities and cultures within the Asian-Pacific region.