March, 2011 – DAMsmart, Australia’s leading audiovisual digitisation agency, has announced that Dave McGrouther is joining DAMsmart’s team to head up their Film Services Division. Dave is well known in the industry as one of Australia’s leading film preservation experts. Having spent 14 years at the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA), most recently in an executive role as Film Curator, Dave brings with him extensive knowledge of archiving, preservation, conservation and repair techniques for all film formats. Dave’s appointment further strengthens DAMsmart’s specialist audiovisual digitisation and preservation services. The growth of DAMsmart’s technical team underscores their commitment to developing their digitisation business in Australia and their expansion into Asian markets.

For further information please contact:

Adam Hodgkinson
DAMsmart
Business Manager
0403 242 372

About DAMsmart:
DAMsmart are Australia’s leading audiovisual digitisation specialists. DAMsmart offer a comprehensive videotape, film and audio digitisation service to provide logistically viable and cost-effective solutions for organisations to outsource the digitisation of their AV collections. DAMsmart provides a hosted Digital Asset Management (DAM) solution to assist our clients manage their newly digitised collections. This service gives organisations access to an enterprise-level DAM system, without the need for large-scale investment in technology. DAMsmart represent a number of audiovisual digitisation hardware manufactures, including SAMMA for video digitisation, MWA for archive specific film scanners and Rimage for optical media replication hardware.

DAMsmart is an advocate of open standards and can provide digital files in non-proprietary formats as well as proprietary formats.

DATES
26 September – 28 October 2011 (5 weeks)

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION
28 March 2011

PLACE
Rome, with study visits to other cities in Italy

ORGANIZERS
ICCROM International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property www.iccrom.org

In cooperation with UNESCO, Blue Shield Network and specialized international and national agencies With the financial support of the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities (MiBAC)

BACKGROUND
Armed conflicts world wide continue to involve deliberate or accidental damage to cultural heritage. Conflicts result in the weakening of governments and societies and endanger the core values that hold communities together. The protection and recovery of Cultural heritage can play a crucial role in rebuilding societies and in overcoming the sense of loss and displacement.

Notwithstanding, in times of conflict, any operation will be delayed as ensuring security and safety of people takes precedence. As a result, it is essential for the concerned professionals working in these areas to understand how and when to intervene to secure or recover cultural heritage while law enforcement, peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts are under way.

OBJECTIVES

• Explore the values associated with cultural heritage and the impact that conflict has on them
• Assess and manage risks to cultural heritage in conflict situations
• Secure, salvage and stabilize a variety of cultural materials
• Take peacetime preparatory action to improve response in times of conflict
• Critically examine the applicability of international legal instruments, and of conservation ethics and principles in times of conflict
• Communicate successfully with the various actors involved, and work in teams

METHODOLOGY
The course will comprise of interactive lectures, group activities, practical sessions, simulations, site visits and case studies. Participants will be asked to develop case studies drawing from their own experience and work context.

PARTICIPANTS
The course is aimed at those who are actively involved in the protection of cultural heritage within a variety of institutions (libraries, museums, archives, sites, departments of antiquities or archaeology, religious and community centres, etc.). It is also aimed at professionals from humanitarian and cultural aid organizations, as well as military, civilian and civil defense personnel. Those with experience in conflict situations are particularly encouraged to apply. A maximum of 22 participants will be selected.

TEACHING TEAM
International team of professionals identified through ICCROM’s network.

WORKING LANGUAGE: English

COURSE FEE: 900 Euro

TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION AND LIVING EXPENSES
Participants are responsible for their round-trip travel costs to and from Rome, Italy, and for all living expenses. To cover the cost of living, including accommodation, participants should plan for a minimum allowance of 1,800 Euro for the entire duration of the course. Candidates are strongly encouraged to seek financial support from sources such as governmental institutions, employers and funding agencies.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The organizers may offer financial support to a limited number of selected candidates who have been unable to secure funding from any other sources. Candidates are also advised to contact Italian cultural institutes in their home countries, as some may be able to offer short- term scholarships for research or training activities carried out in Italy.

APPLICATION
Please fill out the ICCROM application form [http://www.iccrom.org/eng/01train_en/forms_en/applfrm_en.doc] and send it together with your personal statement by mail to the contact address below. E-mail applications are encouraged. In the event that it is not possible to provide a scanned version of the necessary photographs and signatures, it will also be necessary to send a paper copy.

Personal Statement: candidates are requested to provide a letter stating clearly the reasons for applying to the course, what they hope to learn from it, and how it will benefit them and their institution, country, or future employer (maximum of 700 words).

FAC 11
Collections Unit – ICCROM
Via di San Michele,13
00153 ROME RM, ITALY
Fax +39 06 58553349
Email: aidinconflict@iccrom.org

 

Blue Shield Statement on Egypt
31 January 2011

Following the recent events in Egypt, the Blue Shield expresses its great concern about the safeguarding of the country’s invaluable cultural heritage amid the existing turmoil.

Starting last Friday evening, a number of important museums and sites in Egypt have fallen prey to looters. Thankfully, in certain cases, it has been reported that members of civil society stood to protect museums and heritage sites all over the country. This demonstrates not only the attachment of the local population for their cultural heritage and their determination to protect it, but also the vulnerability of cultural institutions, sites and monuments during times of great conflict.

It is universally recognised that Egypt has an incomparable history and heritage which has had a profound and lasting influence on peoples throughout the world. Any loss of Egyptian cultural property would seriously impoverish the collective memory of mankind. Egypt has an exceptionally rich cultural heritage and it is imperative that every precaution necessary be taken by all sides involved in this strife to avoid destruction or damage to archives, libraries, monuments and sites, and museums.

Blue Shield urges all sectors of Egyptian society to do everything in their power to curb or prevent all actions that could result in the damage or destruction of their cultural heritage. The Blue Shield also praises the courageous citizens of Cairo and the rest of Egypt who spontaneously mobilized to protect the Egyptian Museum and other cultural institutions. We call on all Egyptians to continue giving the fullest support to all efforts to prevent damage to heritage sites and institutions throughout the country.

The Blue Shield Mission is “to work to protect the world’s cultural heritage threatened by armed conflict, natural and man-made disasters”. For this reason, it places the expertise and network of its member organisations at the disposal of their Egyptian colleagues to support their work in protecting the country’s heritage, in assessing the damage that has occurred, and for subsequent recovery, restoration and repair measures.

The member organisations of the Blue Shield are currently liaising with Egyptian colleagues to obtain further information on both the situation and on the possible needs and types of help required so as to mobilise their networks accordingly.

A more complete report on damages, needs and actions will be published subsequently, in order to facilitate coordination.

The Blue Shield

The Blue Shield is the protective emblem of the 1954 Hague Convention which is the basic international treaty formulating rules to protect cultural heritage during armed conflicts. The Blue Shield network consists of organisations dealing with museums, archives, audiovisual supports, libraries, monuments and sites.

The International Committee of the Blue Shield (ICBS), founded in 1996, comprises representatives of the five non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working in this field:

• The International Council on Archives (www.ica.org),
• The International Council of Museums (www.icom.museum),
• The International Council on Monuments and Sites (www.icomos.org)
• The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (www.ifla.org)
• The Co-ordinating Council of Audiovisual Archives Associations (www.ccaaa.org)

National Blue Shield Committees have been founded in a number of countries (19 established and 19 under construction). The Association of National Committees of the Blue Shield (ANCBS), founded in December 2008, will coordinate and strengthen international efforts to protect cultural property at risk of destruction in armed conflicts or natural disasters. The ANCBS has its headquarters in The Hague.

Contact Information: secretariat.paris@blueshield-international.org

The actions of the Blue Shield can also be followed on

• our Website : http://www.blueshield-international.org
• Facebook group: Egypt 2011 Blue Shield Solidarity
• Twitter : blueshieldcoop

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
NATIONAL FILM & SOUND ARCHIVE

• UNIQUE CULTURAL INSTITUTION
• EXCITE CURIOSITY, INSPIRE CREATIVITY
• SIGNIFICANT EXECUTIVE REMUNERATION

The National Film & Sound Archive (NFSA) aspires to be the world’s premier archive of Australian film, sound and emerging media cultural heritage. Its primary responsibility is to manage the national audiovisual collection and to build, preserve, interpret and make it accessible. Located in Canberra, the NFSA is an Australian Government independent statutory authority operating under its own legislation and governed by a Board committed to building the NFSA’s profile as a first-class facility.

The opportunity exists for a highly motivated leader to make a significant contribution to this flagship institution. Working under the strategic direction of the Board and in consultation with the Minister for the Arts and his Department, you will develop the NFSA’s visionary outlook, lead a committed and strongly performing team and be responsible for the high level management and promotion of the Archive’s activities and affairs.

This is the chance to demonstrate your record of achievement at the CEO or Head of Agency level. You will do so as an inspirational and consultative leader. Your knowledge of curatorial responsibilities and a sensitivity and understanding of the wider arts and/or cultural environment will be important in the effective pursuit of opportunities and in meeting the challenges of driving growth in a climate of economic constraint and the advent of the digital deluge. Your entrepreneurial skills, energy, enthusiasm and high-class strategic and management abilities will ensure your success in guiding the future of the NFSA. Relevant professional qualifications and experience in working effectively with Boards; all levels of government; a highly motivated and skilled workforce; and the private sector are required.

The first step in the application process is to obtain detailed position information and selection criteria by emailing canberra@fordkelly.com.au quoting reference number 11/206.

Contact Moiya Ford or Jeff Kelly on +61 2 6260 8788 for any further clarification. Applications close on Monday 21 February 2011.

Please join fellow archives doctoral students and faculty at the third annual Archival Education and Research Institute, to be held July 10 – July 15, 2011 at Simmons College, Boston. Funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a series of week-long workshops, presentations and mentoring opportunities, will bring together incoming and continuing doctoral students, recent doctoral graduates, and faculty from across the United States and internationally.

Applications for the Institute are now available at http://aeri.gseis.ucla.edu/aeri.htm. Application and supporting documents are due on or before March 15, 2011. Information on student scholarships to attend AERI 2011 can also be found at the above website. Space is limited so please apply early.

Simmons College is developing a wiki with information about the program, local arrangements and social activities at http://gslis.simmons.edu/wikis/aeri2011/Main_Page

The wiki is still in its early stages so keep checking back to see what’s new. We will be sending you updates as new information is added.

About the Institutes

AERI 2010 is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and is one of a series of week-long Archival Education and Research Institutes (AERI), to be held in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. AERI brings together incoming and continuing doctoral students and faculty from across the United States and worldwide.

The goals of AERI aim to advance the field of Archival Studies by:

1. Creating a dynamic community of researchers, teachers, and students to help mentor doctoral students and faculty in areas such as thesis writing, grant writing, publishing, and career development.
2. Advancing curriculum development in Archival Studies.
3. Furthering current research development through presentations, posters, and workshop activities.
4. Fostering interest in future collaborations both nationally and internationally. AERI will provide a dynamic venue for archival researchers and teachers to interact in an intensive, collegial collaborative environment. Future hosts for the Institute will include the Simmons College, Boston (2011) and the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA) (2012).

http://gslis.simmons.edu/wikis/aeri2011/Main_Page
http://aeri.gseis.ucla.edu

Contacts:

Information about AERI:

Ellen-Rae Cachola
AERI Project Manager, Center for Information as Evidence
University of California Los Angeles
aeri@gseis.ucla.edu

Information about Program, Local Arrangements, Scholarships:

Dr. Jeannette A. Bastian, AERI 2011 Coordinator
Graduate School of Library and Information Science
Simmons College
jeannette.bastian@simmons.edu

or

Meghan Poepping
AERI Assistant
meghan.poepping@simmons.edu