CALL FOR APPLICANTS
March 2007
The Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts
Vulnerability Assessment Program
It has come to the forefront in recent years that there is great
potential for cultural collections to incur damage from large scale
disasters, such as fires, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Roof leaks, pest
infestations, mold blooms, thefts, aging mechanical systems, and other
localized emergencies can also greatly affect collections materials.
Being prepared and identifying the potential threats to one's
institution are the best ways of mitigating risks to cultural
collections. According to Building an Emergency Plan: A Guide for
Museums and Other Cultural Institutions, published by the Getty
Conservation Institute, the first step in creating a disaster plan is
"to prepare a report identifying what natural or human-caused
emergencies may threaten the institution." This report is usually
referred to as a vulnerability assessment. Organizations cannot move
ahead to the development of a disaster plan without a clear-eyed
understanding of the areas where their institution is most vulnerable to
loss and damage.
* * * * * *
The Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) is
seeking applicants to participate in its Vulnerability Assessment
Program. Institutions that are selected through this competitive
application process will receive a one day on-site consultation and a
written vulnerability assessment, which can become the basis for future
disaster planning efforts. In addition, CCAHA staff will review any
subsequent disaster planning documents and make suggestions for the
successful implementation of the plan.
Process:
During the on-site consultation, CCAHA staff reviews and examines the
institution's environment, history, location, structural needs, pest
control, fire protection, security procedures, local resources, and
training requirements. Insurance considerations, collections
documentation, and collections salvage priorities are also addressed.
The written report provides observations, recommendations, and resources
to serve as a guide in the development of a comprehensive disaster plan
for the institution.
Eligibility:
The Vulnerability Assessment Program is intended for small to mid-sized
institutions with humanities based collections in the Mid-Atlantic
region, which includes Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, New
York, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. Institutions
wishing to participate in the program must be willing to make a
commitment to developing an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, or
updating the plan that they currently have in place, and must assign a
project manager.
Priority will be given to Institutions that would not normally have the
resources to pay for this service at full cost, or the staff time or
expertise to complete the assessment in-house. Institutions funded by
the federal government are not eligible.
Cost:
Through funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, CCAHA is
able to offer a limited number of subsidized vulnerability assessments
for $350. The funding also covers the assessor's travel expenses.
Application Process and Deadline:
Application forms for the Vulnerability Assessment Program can be found
on CCAHA's website: www.ccaha.org <http://www.ccaha.org/> .
All applications must be postmarked by Friday, May 18, 2007.
If you have questions or want to discuss the suitability of this program
for your institution, please contact CCAHA's Preservation Services
Office at:
Preservation Services Office
Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts (CCAHA)
264 South 23rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Tel: (215) 545-0613
Fax: (215) 735-9313
[log in to unmask]
www.ccaha.org
* * * * * *
Congress created the National Endowment for the Humanities in 1965 as an
independent agency that supports education, research, preservation
projects, and public programs in the humanities.
CCAHA, established in 1977, is a non-profit conservation laboratory
serving other non-profit cultural, educational, and research
institutions, as well as private individuals and organizations. CCAHA
specializes in the treatment of works of art and historic artifacts on
paper. It also offers on-site consultation services; educational
programs and seminars; internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships;
and emergency conservation assistance.
Laura Hortz Stanton
Director of Preservation Services
Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts
264 S. 23rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 215-545-0613
Fax: 215-735-9313
Email: [log in to unmask]
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