INCCA Education is a specialised INCCA group within the International Network for the Conservation of Contemporary Art providing a platform for professionals in education and training in the conservation of modern and contemporary Art. This is the first INCCA group that is specialized in a specific topic.

Because of the relative new field in the young profession of conservation that is ever changing because of the developments in the art practice, the traditional conservation paradigm has shifted, the roles in museums have changed and because of that the need for new methodologies and conservation strategies are clear. INCCA Education aims to develop strategies and methodologies in education of modern and contemporary art conservation practice.

In view of the enormous variety in appearances in which modern and contemporary art can manifest itself, a wide range of specialized fields and expertise is needed accordingly. Literally all materials can be used, from fragile plastics, modern paint systems to electronic media and ephemeral material, but also non-material aspects such as space, sound, interaction, change, growth and experience have to be “conserved” or “passed on”. On top of that different aspects are important to every artist. To tackle these issues in related conservation problems, The sharing and distribution of knowledge on these matters in educational programs is crucial and thus a fruitful international network is essential. Not only the existing professionals will cooperate through this network; the platform will encourage and welcome new professionals in developing the field of modern and contemporary art conservation.

The foundation of INCCA Education is part of the PRACTICs project, supported by the Culture Programme (2007-2013) of the European Commission.[1] The international congress Modern Art: Who Cares? II, scheduled to take place in Amsterdam, 9-11 June 2010 (also as part of PRACTICs, will include education as one of the main topics during which the group hopes to discuss to a broader audience ideas for the development of education in the field.

Members

Membership is open to professional lecturers/educators, students and PhD candidates who are affiliated with an institution that is recognized by organisations such as ENCoRE in Europe[2] or similar organisations that safeguard the quality standards of the profession. Membership is furthermore bound to the general INCCA membership criteria[3].

Aims and goals

·         overview of and insight into educational programs in contemporary art conservation

·         determine focus of each program / course, lacunae and overlaps

·         international collaboration in educational training in specialized fields

·         specify topics, qualities and abilities specific to contemporary art conservation

·         research into what is needed in the field of contemporary art conservation and how this can be incorporated in education training programs

·         raise awareness / implementation of these specifics in broader educational context, i.e. traditional or material focussed art conservation, art history, curatorial programs

·         continuous adaption and development of new needs in contemporary art conservation training programs following developments in art making

·         facilitate the network for students to allow professional collaboration

·         publish thesis and PhD-research abstracts in the field of contemporary art conservation to clarify the point of reference to every new professional

·         facilitate access to info on grants, internships, student exchange, summer courses

Organizational structure

·         A steering committee (founding members) to initiate and develop activities

·         An advisory board to be consulted for input and reflection

·         A coordinator to coordinate the activities

·         Central web master  / INCCA web management

·         Contact through website, forums, conference meetings, conference calls, e-mail

Short-term activities

·         Foundation of INCCA Education

·         Establishment of an Advisory Board

·         Discussion and specification of aims and goals

·         Agenda / input for Contemorary Art: Who Cares?, June 9-11 2010 Amsterdam

·         Agenda / input for ICOM-CC Education interim meeting, June 14-15 2010 Maastricht

·         Press release on INCCA Education to all universities/academies hosting restoration-conservation programs

o       Invitation to join INCCA Education

o       Ask for links to website, training program info, PhD and thesis info / abstracts

o       Call for suggestions for the education session during CA:WC?