A series of Panel Discussions are being held as a precursor to the ICOM-CC 17th Triennial Conference 2014 (http://www.icom-cc2014.org/). The events are jointly organised by The Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation at the University of Melbourne and The Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials (AICCM). The panel discussions are open to the public for participation.

The events expand on the conference theme of ‘Building strong culture through conservation’ that celebrates the preservation of culture as a powerful and positive force in strengthening society, enhancing people’s sense of identity, and making a difference to people’s lives.

The program includes:

• Sustainability and environmental standards for cultural collections
• Why now?: textile conservation as material culture
• Keith Haring mural fringe session
• A Regional Disaster Discussion Group for Islamic Manuscripts
• Cleaning of Acrylic paintings – Discussion relating to recent research and advances
• Cultural materials conservation: China and Australia Programs

For full details and to register see the website: www.melbournespecialevents.com