Planning new exhibitions: conservation, communication, community

 

Organizers

  • Lao National Museum
  • ICCROM

Partners

 

Collasia Course

Why

Heritage collections bear testimony to our diversity, ingenuity, and history. They are a powerful resource for education, fostering creativity, social coherence, and well-being. It is our job to use and conserve them in the best possible way to achieve these goals.

The exhibition of collections offers a unique opportunity to reach and engage the public. It is the moment when heritage items can be used in a coherent and synergistic way to create meaningful narratives and experiences. However, the exhibition process requires interdisciplinary collaboration on a range of conservation-related topics such as documentation, significance, display, environmental control, transportation, security, and so on. Planning exhibitions is therefore a vital and complex skill for today's heritage organizations dealing with collections.

What

This CollAsia course will address key aspects of exhibition planning, including concept and design, public engagement, logistics, preventive conservation and risk management for heritage collections going on display. It will promote scientific literacy, critical thinking, and decision-making skills among the diverse professionals involved in the making of exhibitions. The course will explore emerging topics such as interactive exhibits, storytelling, open storage, and the use of digital technologies to improve visitors' experience.

Where

The course will take place in Vientiane, Laos. The new premises of the Lao National Museum will provide an inspiring venue and the right context to delve into the multifaceted process of planning exhibitions.

How

This intensive training activity will consist of highly interactive sessions containing presentations, practical exercises, and study visits. Participants will benefit from working in an actual museum environment, and from exchanging their knowledge and experience with colleagues from Southeast Asia and beyond. The working language will be English.

Who

The workshop will have up to 20 participants, of which 16 from the Asia-Pacific Region, and 4 from other regions. Participants must have at least three (3) years experience with collections, preferably including the organization of exhibitions. The course team will consist of specialists from the ICCROM network.

Scholarship

A number of scholarships will be available for selected candidates, kindly provided by CHA-Korea for professionals from the Asia-Pacific region, and by ICCROM for professionals from other regions. Priority will be given to selected candidates from ICCROM Member States. Scholarships will cover round-trip travel, accommodation and meals in Vientiane during the workshop.

To apply

Please download the application form by clicking on the "Apply" button, fill the application and send it to: collasia@iccrom.org