IIC 31st Congress Ghent 2026 - Call for Paper and Poster Proposals

Submitted by Sarah Stannage on

 

Ensembles: Conserving Interconnected Artworks, Artefacts and Collections

The International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (IIC) is thrilled to invite proposals for the 31st biennial IIC Congress 2026, 8-11 September 2026, set to take place both in-person and online from the vibrant city of Ghent, Belgium.

Building on the success and momentum of Congresses in Lima and Wellington, the 2026 Congress will once again embrace a hybrid format, fostering a more sustainable, accessible, and globally connected event. By blending in-person experiences with digital participation, we are ensuring that professionals from across the globe can take part in this inspiring gathering of conservation experts.

Join us in shaping the future of conservation—submit your proposal and be part of an extraordinary international exchange of ideas, innovation, and expertise!

The Congress theme is: Ensembles: Conserving Interconnected Artworks, Artefacts and Collections

A significant proportion of the world’s cultural heritage comprises interconnected works or collections that gain increased value and significance when considered as a whole. These groupings, often referred to as ensembles, can be found in fine art, ethnographic or world collections, architectural complexes, archaeological sites, and many other forms of artistic and historical expression. The conservation of cultural heritage ensembles needs to consider not only the individual needs of each component, but also the relationship between multiple pieces and their historical significance. Approaching heritage ensembles in this holistic manner, important insights are gained on the depth of cultural narratives, the evolution of artistic traditions, and the broader historical and social connections that these works represent.

Ensembles manifest in various forms, including but not limited to:

  • Individual works of art composed of multiple components, from all periods of history, including traditional art forms such polyptychs and retables, as well as contemporary practices including assemblage, mixed-media and installation art.
  • Multiple works by a particular artist, or group of artists, that together capture the essence of their oeuvre, evolving over time and providing a holistic view of their artistic journey.
  • Groups of artefacts made with similar materials or expressive forms, which showcase cohesion from commonalities in materials or modes of expression.
  • Time-related ensembles, depicting specific periods of art/craft production, that create a narrative, reflecting the evolution and diversity of expression over time.
  • Geographical ensembles, which connect collections or works from specific parts of the world and highlight shared cultural elements and provide insights into unique artistic expressions emerging from different regions.
  • Site-related ensembles, collections or archives showing conservation problems.

  • Partnerships utilising individual expertise, collaborative networks, and institutional resources to study, promote and safeguard artefacts and collections.

     

Papers are sought that explore established, innovative or interdisciplinary methods for the conservation of cultural heritage ensembles. This could include, but not restricted to:

  • Technical studies of cultural ensembles containing a variety of materials or elements.
  • Conservation implications of the relative stability or degradation of multi-component works.
  • Treatment approaches balancing the needs or significance of the entire ensemble with those of the individual pieces.
  • The challenges of reassembling dispersed components for study, exhibition, or repatriation.
  • Focused studies on artists’ materials or previous conservation treatments as a common thread in the overall preservation and management of collections.
  • Sustainable management of heritage collections or historic buildings in the context of climate policy and passive conservation.
  • Balancing financial feasibility, practicalities and ethical considerations of conserving multi-component works or collections.
  • Engagement with the public over approaches and decision-making on conservation projects.

Preference will be given to paper and poster proposals that contribute to evolving ensembles of research and practice in cultural heritage conservation. Submissions should not only present new research but also demonstrate its broader applicability within the field. Case studies should serve as exemplars, offering insights and transferable lessons for the sector. Additionally, contributions that help orchestrate future challenges and research directions will be especially welcomed.

Presenters are expected to attend the congress in person and authors may be required to pre-record a presentation to support the hybrid format.

 

How to Submit Your Proposal

Proposals will be made through Oxford Abstracts – which will open on 1 May 2025

The text must include the following four sections:

1. Introduction explaining the purpose and scope of your proposed topic

2. Indication of the method used to gather your evidence

3. Outline of the implications or impact of your project

4. Your conclusions (actual or anticipated)

Proposals should be a minimum of 500 words and a maximum of 750 words. Please specify if you are submitting a proposal for a poster; otherwise, we will assume it is for a paper. Proposals must be in English.

You will need to supply 3 to 5 keywords but no other supplementary information (such as references, images, tables, information about additional authors, etc.); these will be requested later if your proposal is accepted.

Deadline for Submissions: 27 June 2025

 

Key Dates

Submission System Opens 1 May 2025

Submission System Closes: 27 June 2025

Notification to Authors of Selection: 25 August 2025

First Drafts Expected: 31 October 2025

Congress Dates: 8 – 11 September 2026

 

Congress proceedings

  • The published abstracts and full papers will be in English.
  • Authors may be asked to pre-record their presentations in advance of the Congress.
  • The Congress proceedings will be a supplement to Studies in Conservation and published online by IIC and Taylor & Francis. This will enable enhanced discoverability and access to the papers  worldwide.
  • Poster abstracts and poster presentations will not be published in the Congress proceedings,  selected posters will be displayed during the Congress and featured in an interactive digital platform.

 

Website Banner Photo by Martin Corlazzoli © Stad Gent-Dienst Toerisme

 

Deadline