COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT

Paper Conservation in Latin America: Meeting with the East

Descarga el anuncio del curso en español (pdf)

Dates: 9 to 25 November 2016

Place: Mexico City, Mexico

Organizers

Background
Over the past 25 years, interest in traditional Japanese paper conservation methods has grown within the paper conservation community in Latin America, Portugal and Spain. A primary focus has been on understanding Japanese techniques, materials and tools. This knowledge was mostly acquired by conservation professionals who attended the Japanese Paper Conservation Course in Japan, jointly organized by the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties and ICCROM, or through small workshops taught by colleagues who had studied abroad and were in contact with Japanese professionals.

Experience has shown the importance of a thorough understanding of materials and tools, as well as the correct application of Japanese paper conservation techniques before these can be successfully applied to the conservation of Latin American paper-based collections and adapted to the Latin American context.

For these reasons, the CNCPC-INAH, the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties in Japan and ICCROM have for four consecutive years offered the “International Course on Paper Conservation in Latin America: Meeting the East”.  Considering the number of applications and the great interest shown by participants in the preceding years, combined with the need to expand and consolidate knowledge in this field, the course will be offered once again, for the fifth year, with the generous contribution of INAH and the Japanese National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo, Japan.

Paper Conservation in Latin America: Meeting with the EastThe course

  • The purpose of this course is to convey fundamental concepts concerning Japanese materials and techniques used for paper conservation, and to improve participant understanding of the basic characteristics of the Japanese paper making and conservation tradition.
  • The course also aims to bridge between Japanese and Western paper conservation traditions, and to explore the applicability of the Japanese approach, materials and techniques to non-Japanese cultural heritage, with particular reference to Latin American paper-based cultural heritage.
  • Finally, the course promotes the exchange of experiences and information on paper conservation in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Methodology
The course is an intensive two and a half week programme that combines theory and practice, through lectures and practical work. A high level of participant interaction is encouraged throughout the course.

Participants
The international course is open to a maximum of 9 participants working in Latin America and the Caribbean. Consideration will also be given to candidates working in Spain and Portugal. At least five years of working experience in paper conservation is required. Preference will be given to candidates who are working in an institution and are also involved in training activities, or who lead conservation teams.

Teaching team
The teaching team will include both Japanese and Latin American instructors from leading institutions.

Working language: Spanish

Course fee: No course fee

Scholarships
The selected participants will receive a scholarship covering accommodation. Candidates are encouraged to seek financial support from all possible sources, such as governmental institutions, employers, and other funding agencies to cover their travel expenses as well as per diems for their daily expenses.

Applications
Please use the application form and send it by email to: latam.mexico.papel(at) gmail.com

Application deadline: 27 June 2016