Collections preservation involves tailored techniques and processes to protect and maintain the qualities of collections.
The key goal is to ensure that our collections are accessible for our community today and preserved for future generations so that they can provide unique insights into the history and culture of the performing arts in Australia. Collections preservation consists of a range of activities, such as maintaining appropriate environmental conditions, controlling pests, documenting the materials and condition of objects, designing appropriate storage and display solutions.
By understanding the deterioration vulnerability of materials, conservators work with collections to implement long-term preservation planning. Collections conservation involves stabilising materials and undertaking repairs on objects that can in some cases, take hundreds of hours to complete.
The Collections team at Arts Centre Melbourne work from the newly developed storage, research and education facility. The space features viewing window’s so you can see Conservators at work. You can find out more about the space on the APAC Reveal webpage.
Or, learn more about Collections Preservation with the Australian Performing Arts Collection through these stories:
Caring for our public art collection
