Overview

Projects are selected based on the needs of the conservation field and the Getty Conservation Institute’s experience and expertise. In some cases, the Conservation Institute is approached by a potential partner, in other cases, we identify partners for an area of work. Projects are considered based on the international or regional significance of the conservation issue to be addressed, the project's potential impact, the research or training opportunities afforded, and the demonstrated commitment of local and national authorities and other heritage institutions to collaborate in the work.

The Conservation Institute is a proponent of a values-based approach to conservation and the involvement of the stakeholders and communities who steward the place. Projects begin with an understanding of the full range of tangible and intangible cultural heritage values—including aesthetic, historic, scientific, social, spiritual values that make the place significant—and how these values are expressed through the attributes of the place. Conservation responses, such as policies and actions, that are developed through this approach, conserve these values in response to identified threats and opportunities and the context- specific constraints and opportunities.

Work generally begins with a feasibility study during which the conceptual and practical parameters of the project are evaluated. Projects are then designed in cooperation with partners and implemented according to a phased work plan. While projects vary in their nature, emphasis, complexity, and scope, all adhere to a consistent methodology that includes identifying and working with relevant stakeholders to undertake documentation and recording, diagnostic research, investigation and assessment, the development and testing of conservation treatments and strategies, implementation, and dissemination and training.

Our work promotes a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together specialists from the arts, sciences, and traditional knowledge holders to learn, exchange ideas, and develop creative and sustainable solutions for preserving our cultural heritage.

Project teams consist of Getty staff, representatives of partner and stakeholder organizations, and consultants representing a wide range of disciplines. Current project teams include Indigenous and community stewards, archaeologists, conservators, engineers, architects, architectural historians, biologists, geologists, chemists, urban planners, curators, museum administrators, and site managers.

Striving to build and strengthen capacity in the conservation field is central to the department's mission and values. We achieve this through dissemination of our work to the profession, engagement and communication with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, and through capacity-building and training activities.

Multilingual publishing is one of the primary vehicles for dissemination of our work, with most publications freely distributed through the Getty website in order to quickly reach the widest possible audience. Staff members frequently contribute to externally published works as well. The department's work is further disseminated through staff participation in international meetings, conferences, and seminars.

Many of our projects include training components to transfer knowledge to partners and sustain the work into the future. A handful of our projects are designed specifically as professional- or technician-training and capacity-building programs and target identified gaps in professional expertise within a subject area or in underserved regions of the world.

Other methods and means used to build capacity in the conservation field include sharing expertise through professional exchanges, Getty’s graduate internship program, convening meetings and colloquia, hosting partners and collaborators in our facilities at the Getty Center, providing technical and/or logistical support in the field, and in some cases providing equipment and training to implement conservation methods.