IMLS and the FAIC Announce New Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) Program

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (FAIC) today announced a new program to provide museums with collections conservation assessments.
The Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) program will build upon the former CAP program (Conservation Assessment Program) that was funded by IMLS and administered by Heritage Preservation for 24 years, until Heritage Preservation ceased operations in 2015.  The new program will continue to support collections assessments for small and medium-sized museums throughout the nation.
“Many museums need help understanding the condition of their collections and how to properly prioritize their conservation activities,” said IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew. “We are delighted to be working with FAIC. The new CAP program is much improved and is designed to give museums the tools they need to build strong and lasting in-house collections care and preservation programs.”
“We are honored to be working with IMLS to build on the success of such a valued program,” stated FAIC Executive Director Eryl P. Wentworth.  “The new CAP—Collections Assessment for Preservation—program will be a collaborative effort to provide support and expertise to the staff of collecting institutions, helping them create and implement sustainable programs for the best possible care of their collections.  We are excited to begin!”
The three year partnership will match professional conservators with participating museums to conduct assessments of their collections and will encourage the inclusion of building assessments, regardless of the age of the structures. Other key components to this new CAP program will include linking museums to training and other resources as needed; incorporating a structured follow-up session with museums and assessors; and improving training for and review of assessors.
In the first year of the program, FAIC will focus on development of the systems and infrastructure needed to run the program, such as museum and assessor application and evaluation materials; staff to manage the grant program; the creation of a roster of qualified assessors; and promotion of the program. FAIC plans to announce the first call for applications from museums to participate in the program in fall of 2016 with an early 2017 deadline.  Detailed information will be available at http://www.conservation-us.org/(link is external)  and https://www.imls.gov/.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries(link is external) and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook(link is external) and Twitter(link is external).
About FAIC
FAIC, the Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works, supports conservation education, research, and outreach activities that increase understanding of our global cultural heritage. Learn more about FAIC at www.conservation-us.org/foundation(link is external).