✍️ The newsletter: Feedback for Conservators #13
Feedback for conservators: Should you be in a professional conservation association?
This is a monthly free newsletter project that came from the Initiative Feedback for Conservators ✍️: a place to bring a little bit of professional advice to help on topics that I wish I knew more about at the start of my art conservation career. Topics discussed here are recurrent ones that I see over Zoom sessions! So I thought would be useful to discuss them here. It’s also not a perfect newsletter and doesn’t intend to, but rather a space to share. Read past newsletters here. And as always, some disclamers1
Should you be in a professional conservation association? 🤝
I go straight to the point: YES, you should. I think every colleague should. Reasons below:
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💪 These are the only structures that we have specifically dedicated to fighting for our rights
Maybe you do not agree with all that they do, or how (although I consider that a lot is going on behind doors and because outside colleagues do not see it, they think it does not happen), but the reality is that no one there will be helping us unless these associations push for it. No one. And remember all persons involved in it are also colleagues that work in the same field as you, and for free. So if there is somewhere where should go money, is here.
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🤝There are also an ally to you
Often we forget that these associations are a wonderful place to help you: You are starting and you do not know really where to get professional insurance? ask them, perhaps they can help. You are not sure if this offer actually respects the rights of our colleagues? tell them, maybe they can help to take action and alert authorities.
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🧐 Is a wonderful place to be part of to understand our field and how is organized
Being an active part of it can allow you to see many bigger issues that concern you and all of us and how they are handled, while also having the opportunity to work in teams, collaborate with other colleagues that you do not know, and be more aware of other situations etc. These are extremely important skills to develop and also issues to know about.
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🤓 It is a wonderful place to do networking, especially if you are starting
When an emerging conservator tells me that does not have a network or does not know how to start one, I suggest among several things this. Why? Well, you will collaborate with interesting and engaged colleagues + have the chance to discuss with them topics, projects and other questions that can arise during your career. E.g. maybe you get to know a colleague who is perfect for the next project that you will do. Same is the other way around. It is a wonderful place to meet new interesting colleagues and that they meet you!
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👩🏽🔬It helps to give a more professional context to potential clients and helps to work against intrusism
Organising ourselves around collectives is a good way to present yourself professionally to your clients and educate them by pointing out that an association exist, that is only formed by regulated trained professional conservators and that they can always refer to it. Note: I am not talking here about accreditations or certifications that in some countries are arising, which I have my reserves to it (again my opinion, you do you!).
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What about you, are you a member of a conservation association?
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That’s a warp for today. More in two weeks, see you then?
As mentioned, this newsletter supports the mentorship service Feedback For Conservators (here are some testimonials). Also, as part of it, I offer limited pro bono sessions for those colleagues or students who can not afford them. If you’re interested in any of both just email me, promise I do not bite 🤓.
This is my personal opinion, which means also that I could be wrong! You do you✨.
Please do not share extracts of this newsletter without my consent.