[padg] Call for Applicants- CCAHA Vulberability Assessment Program

["Hortz Stanton, Laura" <Lhortzstanton@xxxxxxxxx>]

 

Advanced apologies for any cross-postings. 

 

The Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) is currently accepting applicants for its subsidized Vulnerability Assessment Program.  Information on eligibility and the application process is below.  Application forms can be downloaded from the CCAHA web site at: http://www.ccaha.org/surveys.php.  If you have any questions about the program, please contact Laura Hortz Stanton, CCAHA’s Director of Preservation Services at 215-545-0613 or via email at lhortzstanton@xxxxxxxxxx

 

 

CALL FOR APPLICANTS

September 2007

 

 

 

The Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts

Vulnerability Assessment Program

 

 

It has come to the forefront in recent years that there is great potential for cultural collections to incur damage from large scale disasters, such as fires, hurricanes, and earthquakes.  Roof leaks, pest infestations, mold blooms, thefts, aging mechanical systems, and other localized emergencies can also greatly affect collections materials. 

 

Being prepared and identifying the potential threats to one’s institution are the best ways of mitigating risks to cultural collections.  According to Building an Emergency Plan: A Guide for Museums and Other Cultural Institutions, published by the Getty Conservation Institute, the first step in creating a disaster plan is “to prepare a report identifying what natural or human-caused emergencies may threaten the institution.”  This report is usually referred to as a vulnerability assessment.  Organizations cannot move ahead to the development of a disaster plan without a clear-eyed understanding of the areas where their institution is most vulnerable to loss and damage. 

 

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The Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) is seeking applicants to participate in its Vulnerability Assessment Program.  Institutions that are selected through this competitive application process will receive a one day on-site consultation and a written vulnerability assessment, which can become the basis for future disaster planning efforts.  In addition, CCAHA staff will review any subsequent disaster planning documents and make suggestions for the successful implementation of the plan. 

 

Process:

 

During the on-site consultation, CCAHA staff will review and examine the institution’s environment, history, location, structural needs, pest control, fire protection, security procedures, local resources, and training requirements.  Insurance considerations, collections documentation, and collections salvage priorities are also addressed.  The written report provides observations, recommendations, and resources to serve as a guide in the development of a comprehensive disaster plan for the institution.      

 

Eligibility:

 

The Vulnerability Assessment Program is intended for small to mid-sized institutions with humanities based collections in the Mid-Atlantic region, which includes Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia.  Institutions wishing to participate in the program must be willing to make a commitment to developing an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, or updating the plan that they currently have in place, and must assign a project manager. 

 

Priority will be given to institutions that would not normally have the resources to pay for this service at full cost, or the staff time or expertise to complete the assessment in-house.  Institutions funded by the federal government are not eligible.

 

Cost:

 

Through funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, CCAHA is able to offer a limited number of subsidized vulnerability assessments for $350.  The funding also covers the assessor’s travel expenses.    

 

Application Process and Deadline:

 

Application forms for the Vulnerability Assessment Program can be found on CCAHA’s website: www.ccaha.org. 

 

All applications must be postmarked by Friday, December 7, 2007

 

If you have questions or want to discuss the suitability of this program for your institution, please contact CCAHA’s Preservation Services Office at:

 

Preservation Services Office

Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts (CCAHA)

264 South 23rd Street

Philadelphia, PA  19103

Tel: (215) 545-0613

Fax: (215) 735-9313

ccaha@xxxxxxxxx

                                                                                           www.ccaha.org

 

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Congress created the National Endowment for the Humanities in 1965 as an independent agency that supports education, research, preservation projects, and public programs in the humanities. 

 

CCAHA, established in 1977, is a non-profit conservation laboratory serving other non-profit cultural, educational, and research institutions, as well as private individuals and organizations.  CCAHA specializes in the treatment of works of art and historic artifacts on paper.  It also offers on-site consultation services; educational programs and seminars; internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships; and emergency conservation assistance.

 

Laura Hortz Stanton

Director of Preservation Services

Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts

264 S. 23rd St.

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Phone: 215-545-0613

Fax:   215-735-9313

Email:  lhortzstanton@xxxxxxxxx