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Creating Community in the Field

We are dedicated to creating a space where cultural heritage professionals and caretakers can connect, share knowledge, and collaborate. We try to foster a culture of trust, respect, and inclusivity, where diverse perspectives are valued. By providing meaningful content, resources, and engagement opportunities, we hope to facilitate learning and professional growth that enhances career development, encourages innovation, and forges lasting relationships.

Member Communities

We restrict these communities to only dues-paying members.

AIC Member Community

Our all member community includes all current members and is an open discussion forum. Members can post questions and job announcements (salary ranges preferred), share resources, and offer tips and tools.

Archaeological Heritage Network

We develop and promote the conservation of archaeological material. We are devoted to safeguarding world archaeological heritage and the evidence it preserves of our human past. Our mission is to promote communication between conservators and allied professionals and to represent the interests of the archaeological conservation profession.

Architectural Specialty Group

We develop and promote the conservation of immovable cultural heritage, including buildings, monuments, outdoor sculpture, and related sites. We provide a forum for the exchange of information yielded from practice and research to further the profession and practice standards of architectural conservation.

Book and Paper Group

We develop and promote the conservation of the conservation of books and paper materials through meetings and publications. Our members represent a wide variety of backgrounds and specialties but share a common interest in the preservation and conservation of artifacts and collections of paper-based materials.

Conservators in Private Practice Group

We advocate for and support conservation professionals that work in or own small businesses. Our group provides a forum for them to exchange information, suggestions, and tips on running private practice conservation businesses.

Contemporary Art Network

We provide a forum for conservators of contemporary art and related professionals to exchange knowledge and ideas across material specializations; encourage recognition of contemporary art as a distinct practice within the profession that requires specific training, skills, and knowledge; and support and advocate for the most informed and appropriate care for contemporary art in the United States and worldwide.

Electronic Media Group

We are for professionals interested in the conservation and display of time-based media artworks—which include modern and contemporary artworks involving video, audio, film, slides, software, electronics, and performance—and other works of cultural heritage that employ historic or emerging audiovisual media, digital media, and electronic technologies.

Objects Specialty Group

We connect and support the professional development of professionals who treat a broad range of media and objects, including archaeological and ethnographic, decorative arts and sculpture, contemporary art, and historic collections. Our members include conservators employed at museums, private practices, regional centers, universities, and training programs.

Paintings Specialty Group

We are dedicated to improving knowledge of all subjects relating to the conservation of paintings, to promote proficiency and skill in the practice of paintings conservation, and to disseminate related technical and professional information.

Photographic Materials Group

We encourage and facilitate the exchange of ideas and information about photographic conservation and to promote the development of sound conservation practices, to promote the publication of scholarly articles on photographic conservation and related topics,and to develop closer ties with other related disciplines, and to disseminate responsible information on the care of photographs.

Research and Technical Studies Group

We promote the advancement of scientific research in the field of conservation and promote effective interaction of conservators and scientists in furthering the development of conservation practice. We support those who are involved in research efforts within the conservation field and help promote and advance scientific efforts in conservation.

Textile Specialty Group

We support the professional development of textile conservators. Our members focus on a wide range of subjects, materials research and analysis, case studies, techniques, costume, tapestry and upholstery conservation, and archaeological and ethnographic issues.

Wooden Artifacts Group

We improve knowledge of all subjects related to the conservation of wooden objects, to promote proficiency and skill in the practice of conservation of those objects, and to disseminate technical and professional information related to them.

Open Communities

We leave these communities open to anyone who interested in these subjects. There is no need to pay dues. Users just need to create a login and profile.

Alliance for Response

We bring cultural heritage and emergency management professionals together at the place where virtually all initial disaster response occurs-the local level.

Connecting to Collections Care (C2C Care)

We provide expert assistance for staff and volunteers at small and mid-sized institutions regarding collections care questions. We also share announcements about C2C Care webinars and courses, as well as free resources for smaller institutions.

Emerging Conservation Professionals Community

We assist those thinking about entering the field of conservation with the transition from pre-program candidacy to graduate school and through to early career stages.

Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)

We are discussion forum for thousands of conservators and collection care professionals around the world who use it to share information, events, job openings, and more. Our foundation supports it with donations through our Conservation Online Fund.

Health & Safety Forum

We are a forum for conservation and allied professionals concerned about the health and safety of others as well as their own. We provide a safe space for conservators and allied professionals to discuss the topic without judgement, promote existing health and safety issues and resources, assist network officers in developing health and safety content, update the field on changes to the federal government's policies and procedures for health and safety matters, and build a strong network of health and safety advocates

Imaging Forum

We aim to develop both a community and resources to support conservators in utilizing the growing number of imaging technologies and practices. We support communication and cross-disciplinary collaboration through meetings, community events, and projects, identify and address the imaging needs and challenges that conservators encounter in their work, and promote best conservation imaging practices by providing resources and community support.

Microfading Tester International Discussion Group

We support microfade testing (MFT) users and allied colleagues interested in how MFT data impacts collection care. The MFT is an analytical technique that directly assesses the light sensitivity of an object, and is employed by a growing number of heritage institutions as a key preventive conservation tool.

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