As the field of conservation in Canada continues to rebuild from the economic cutbacks of the 1990s, those professionals who contributed to its growth in the preceding decades are entering into retirement. It has quickly become apparent that current opportunities for knowledge continuity and transfer to the new generation of conservators are inadequate. This situation, if not swiftly remedied, will result in a loss of valuable knowledge and skills. The lack of funding for entry-level and mid-level employment opportunities in the field has made it necessary for dedicated newer professionals to take a proactive approach to their learning and work to prevent this imminent loss of knowledge.
The Canadian Association of Emerging Conservators (CAEC-ACRE) has been formed by the six post-graduate interns in the first cycle of the re-instated Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) advanced internship program. Observing the retirement of many veteran CCI staff members even at the onset of their year long tenure, the interns lamented the loss of contact and exchange with these experienced colleagues. Finding themselves in an ideal situation to form a group, the interns determined to form an association whose main purpose is to address the issue of the ‘knowledge gap’ in the field, to aid in efficient succession planning and to work to promote the interests of new conservation professionals.
The interns were at the same time inspired by the efforts of a recently established group in an allied profession, The Next Generation of Heritage and Associated Professionals (NoGHAP). This group was formed with the intent to organize new heritage professionals in the effort to “positively change the heritage world.” By building on mutual interests, CAEC hopes to establish a reciprocal relationship of support with this organization that will provide real and long-term benefits to both.
The future of the CAEC will be to bridge the gap between emerging and veteran conservators in order to ensure a comprehensive and seamless transfer of knowledge and expertise. One of the ways in which the CAEC wishes to accomplish this goal is through a lecture series to be given by seasoned conservators, which would be made available to the broader community over the Web. This aim would also be achieved by urging national conservation institutions to create more permanent junior positions so that successors can receive more experience than what can be provided during brief contract and term placements. Seeking to provide wide accessibility to resources, the CAEC would also like to form a database of internship opportunities with peer-reviews for prospective students and emerging conservators, and a list of work opportunities tailored to the group. In addition, the CAEC would create and provide a professional skills development forum where information could be shared about portfolio presentation, publishing and competition and interview skills. Another objective is to present resources to those wishing to pursue professional accreditation. We are hoping to create links with other Canadian professional organizations, namely the CAC and the CAPC, and to develop strong relationships with the national training programs.
