The International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (IIC) is pleased to invite you to the 31st IIC Biennial Congress 2026, which will take place from September 8 to 11, 2026, in the vibrant city of Ghent, Belgium, both in person and online.
Congress theme:
Ensembles: Conserving Interconnected Artworks, Artefacts and Collections
A significant part of the world’s cultural heritage consists of works or collections that are linked by a common element, giving them greater value and significance when considered as a whole. These groups, often referred to as collections, can be found in art, ethnographic, or world collections, architectural complexes, archaeological sites, and many other forms of artistic and historical expression. When conserving cultural heritage collections, it is necessary to take into account not only the individual needs of each component, but also the relationship between multiple works and their historical significance. This holistic approach to cultural heritage collections provides important insights into the depth of cultural narratives, the development of artistic traditions, and the broader historical and social contexts that these works represent.
Ensembles manifest themselves in various forms, including:
- Individual works of art composed of multiple components, from all historical periods, including traditional art forms such as polyptychs and altarpieces.
- Contemporary artistic practice, including assemblages, mixed media, and installations.
- Multiple works by a particular artist or group of artists that together capture the essence of their work, evolving over time and providing a comprehensive view of their artistic career.
- Groups of artifacts made from similar materials or expressive forms that show cohesion through common features in materials or modes of expression.
- Chronologically related collections, depicting specific periods of artistic/craft production, which create a narrative reflecting the development and diversity of expression over time.
- Geographic collections that connect collections or works from specific parts of the world, highlighting common cultural elements and providing insight into the unique artistic expressions emerging in different regions.
You can follow the latest information on the upcoming conference on the website of the IIC – International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.