ARCS/FAIC Alternative Courier Practices Webinar

Webinar

Tuesday, November 14, 2023–Thursday, November 16, 2023
Online
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Description

 
Photo Credit: Art Solutions Lab

The Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FAIC) and the Association of Registrars and Collections Specialists (ARCS) presents the upcoming online workshop “Alternative Courier Practices” taking place on November 14 & 16, 2023, at 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The workshop will be led by Lauren Fly, Ana Muñoz, and Samantha Springer.

The safekeeping of objects of artistic, scientific, and historical significance is a foundational concern for collections care professionals. The lending and borrowing of such objects is a central function for many collecting institutions and private owners, but is one that also involves risk. A courier can mitigate the risk involved with these activities. Previous interest in alternative courier practices focused on climate change and sustainability concerns. More recently, worldwide travel restrictions and social distancing policies implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have accelerated the development of alternative methods in cases when the physical presence of an in-person courier is not viable or no one is available to accompany an object from door to door.

As collecting institutions adopt alternative courier practices, best practice guidelines, tools, and strategies continue to evolve. Virtual couriering is an entirely remote method of overseeing an object's travel and handling that relies on digital technologies, such as location trackers and video streaming software, to monitor movement, environmental factors, packing/unpacking, condition reporting, and installation/deinstallation. Bookend couriering is a hybrid model in which an independent third party acts as a courier at either end of the lending or borrowing process to provide in-person oversight. 

Led by both registrars and conservators, this workshop is intended for any collections care professional whose work involves organizing loans and exhibitions, or acting as a courier. The two sessions will explore the logistics and methods implemented by professionals in the field, discuss considerations taken into account in choosing appropriate options, and share tips and tricks for successful couriering projects. Workshop participants will take part in discussions and Q&A sessions that will deepen their working knowledge of both alternatives, allowing them to make fully informed decisions of how and when to implement alternative practices.

The live sessions for the workshop will take place in Zoom and automated captions will be available. All live sessions will be recorded and accessible to participants shortly after the session is complete.

Fee

The registration fee is $69 for AIC and ARCS members and $89 for non-members. To receive the member rate ARCS members should contact info@arcsinfo.org for more information. 

Workshop is now full.