FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FAIC Contact: Tiffani Emig, CAP Program Coordinator
Phone: (202) 750-3346
Email: temig@conservation-us.org

IMLS Contact: Giuliana Bullard
Phone: (202) 653-4799
Email: gbullard@imls.gov

Emergency Conservation Assessment Support for Museums in Disaster Areas

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (FAIC) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announce availability of Emergency Collections Assessment for Preservation support. Based on the existing Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) program, the Emergency CAP will help collecting institutions in recent federally declared disaster areas receive post-disaster collections care recommendations from conservation and building professionals on an expedited basis.

Hurricanes, fires, and other major disasters or emergencies have devastated parts of the United States and its territories in recent months. In addition to the human loss and destruction of personal property, many museums in these areas have been adversely impacted.

“As regions affected by recent hurricanes, flooding, and fires continue to recover, FAIC is pleased to be able to help cultural heritage collections focus their recovery efforts with the guidance of a conservation assessment,” said Eryl Wentworth, FAIC’s Executive Director.

“IMLS support includes funding to help museums and libraries prepare for and respond to disasters,” said IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew. “We hope affected institutions will take advantage of this opportunity and benefit from the expedited process to get the conservation help they need to recover quickly.”

Emergency CAPs follow the general guidelines of the Collections Assessment for Preservation program, with the following exceptions:

• Only museums affected by recent federally-declared disasters are eligible.

• Museums of any size are eligible for an Emergency CAP. Small and mid-sized museums will receive a general conservation assessment. Larger museums will receive a review of preservation/conservation plans for the structure and/or those parts of their collections which have been damaged by the emergency or disaster.

• Assessor allocations for Emergency CAPs range from $3500-$4900 per assessor, based on institutional budget, need, and available funds.

• Applications for Emergency CAPs are reviewed immediately upon receipt. Applicants are typically notified of their status within two weeks of application.

• Program schedules and deadlines are determined by each institution and its team of assessors, subject to approval by FAIC. All program activities must occur within one year of notification of program acceptance.

Museums include, but are not limited to, aquariums, arboretums, art museums, botanical gardens, children’s/youth museums, general museums, historic houses/sites, history museums, natural history/anthropology museums, nature centers, planetariums, science/technology centers, and zoological parks.

Limited funding is available. Eligible museums interested in receiving an Emergency CAP assessment should contact Tiffani Emig, CAP Program Coordinator, at 202-750-3346 or temig@conservation-us.org for additional information.

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 http://www.conservation-us.org/foundation.

About IMLS
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's approximately 120,000 libraries and 35,000 museums and related organizations. 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 and Twitter.