Today, most conservators have come to the understanding that public outreach and communication are essential components of their work and vital for the well-being of the cultural heritage. If they are wondering how this might be accomplished they might look to “Virginia’s Top 10 Endangered Artifacts”, a joint project of the Virginia Association of Museums (VAM) and the marketing firm ToMarket which was recently honored by the Richmond Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. “Virginia’s Top 10 Endangered Artifacts” allows each museum and other collecting institution in the state to present an art work or artifact in great need of conservation. As almost 100,000 votes were cast in the 2011 campaign, the word is getting out to the public.
The product of a successful conservation outreach partnership
