Camille De Clercq
Makes sure future generations can still admire The Old Masters
Getting the public involved
The art restoration and conservation sector has gone through significant changes the past few years. “There’s a growing emphasis on intangible cultural heritage, like carnivals; and on making that kind of heritage relevant and engaging for an increasingly diverse audience, too. KIK-IRPA’s Heritage Challenge illustrates this well. People can vote for their favourite heritage treasure, and we help to raise funds for its restoration. Or there is the ‘Closer to Van Eyck’ website, where visitors can zoom in on the astonishing details of the Mystic Lamb, the restoration of which is also happening live at the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent.”
Forgotten heritage is at risk
“95% of museum objects are kept in storage. An international survey conducted by the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and UNESCO in 2011 revealed that this heritage, which is often kept out of public view, is exposed to serious risks. In Belgium, too, cultural institutions face a chronic lack of financial and human resources. Improving storage is often not a priority.”
To address this major problem, the Preventive Conservation Unit of KIK-IRPA, in partnership with ICCROM, established a national strategy in 2015: RE-ORG Belgium. “The RE-ORG Method helps national museums to reorganise their storage. By now, it has been implemented in 171 museums in 42 countries, via hands-on workshops, mentor sessions and online training.”
“We need roadmaps to address the impact of climate change on our cultural heritage.”
“Another pressing issue is addressing the effects of climate change on our cultural heritage. Since the floods in Wallonia in July 2021, KIK-IRPA has been working on improved conservation and response protocols for the heritage.” But a lot of remains to be done to ensure that future generations will still be able to admire the beautiful works that have shaped our identity. “We’re at a time where the survival of those irreplaceable creations that have been around for so long is suddenly threatened.”
“In a competitive sector, conferences remind us that we’re stronger together.”
Collaboration should trump competition
“Conferences are very inspiring. You step out of the comfort zone of your own atelier or institution and see how others deal with the issues you are also facing. Bringing people together is enriching, and the conclusion is always that we’re stronger together. That’s a very welcome insight in a sector in which the competition can be fierce.”