The International Arts and Antiquities Security Forum (IAASF) plans its 2021 Conference, “Protecting Cultural Heritage in a Global Pandemic” on April 14 and 15, at the Mercure Darlington King’s Hotel.
The loss of visitors, operational disruption, and financial losses caused by COVID-19 across the cultural and heritage sectors, have potentially increased the risk of collections, venues, and sites being targeted by criminals and others, Forum organisers warn. Hence the conference will seek to share information about security and safety threats, the operational best practices, and innovative approaches to managing risk.
The event is aimed at those with responsibilities for the protection, custody and management of arts and antiques.
Andy Davis, Chair of the IAASF, of consultancy Trident Manor, pictured, said: “These are indeed challenging times. Culture and heritage plays an important part in people’s life and well-being so it is our responsibility to protect it as much as we can. With this conference we want to provide a space where those involved within the cultural and heritage sectors can network, exchange experiences and ideas, and learn about best practices on how to better protect cultural heritage for future generations.”
Due to the continued crisis caused by COVID and the devastating impact upon the sectors those staff directly engaged within the arts, antiquities and cultural heritage sectors will have free access to the conference; others will be asked to contribute.
Confirmed speakers include some return speakers from previous IAASF events; Dr Emma Cunliffe, Secretariat of Blue Shield International; William Brown, National Security Adviser – Arts Council England; and Stewart Kidd, Managing Director at Loss Prevention Consultancy Ltd. Delegates attending will get discounted rates at the Mercure Darlington.
Gordon Stewart, General Manager at the Mercure Hotel, said: “We are delighted and proud to be the chosen venue and to host this event in support of the cultural and heritage sectors.”
For more details contact: Valentina Sabucco, IASSF Coordinator at iaasf@tridentmanor.com. Registration details to follow.
