The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA Sri Lanka) conducted the second edition of its Museum Intensive training program on June 27. The one-day workshop focused on paper and photography conservation and was developed in partnership with the World Monuments Fund (WMF). The MMCA Sri Lanka’s Museum Intensive series is designed to address professional capacity-building needs within Sri Lanka’s cultural sector.
The workshop brought together 50 professionals in Sri Lanka with an entry-level understanding of paper and photography conservation. It was structured to provide an introduction to caring for paper-based materials and the agents of deterioration that affect paper and covered handling, storage, and types of treatments. Participants benefited from hands-on demonstrations using paper and photographic samples.
MMCA Sri Lanka said Chief Curator Sharmini Pereira said, “This program is conceived in collaboration with international organisations, and targets professionals, including students, working or aspiring to work in public and private museum and gallery environments in Sri Lanka.” She said, “The goal is to build capacity within our cultural sector, across a wide range of areas specific to the needs of the local context.”
The first Museum Intensive held in October 2022 focused on Audience Engagement. It included discussion, project-based learning, and collaborative work, guided by visiting professionals and MMCA Sri Lanka staff. The second Museum Intensive on Paper and Photography Conservation was led by the Principal at the City and Guilds of London Art School Dr. Lois Rowe and Senior Conservator for Paper and Photography at the National Trust, UK and Tutor on the Book and Paper Conservation course at the City and Guilds of London Art School Nicola Walker.
