The Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property (CAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and conservation of cultural heritage in Canada. Its mission is to promote responsible stewardship of cultural property that embodies the history, artistic expression, and identity of Canadians.

Overview

CAC serves as a professional community open to individuals interested in heritage conservation. The association works to disseminate knowledge about conservation practices, providing a platform for education, standards development, and professional collaboration. It supports conservators, conservation scientists, heritage professionals, and volunteers engaged in safeguarding cultural property across Canada.

Activities and Contributions

The organization is known for publishing the Journal of the Canadian Association for Conservation (JCAC), which appears annually and includes research and case studies related to cultural heritage conservation. CAC also produces conference preprints and guidelines for publication to support the professional development of its members.

CAC promotes ethical and professional standards in conservation through the Code of Ethics and Guidance for Practice, which it jointly publishes with the Canadian Association of Professional Conservators (CAPC). This code outlines principles for the examination, documentation, preventive conservation, treatment, restoration, and reconstruction of cultural property, emphasizing minimal intervention and respect for the object's historical integrity.

Conservation Philosophy

The association advocates a comprehensive approach to conservation that includes:

• Preventive conservation measures to manage risks such as light, pollutants, pests, water, fire, and theft.
• Remedial treatments ranging from surface cleaning to restoration efforts.
• Specialized care for various forms of cultural heritage, including fine art, decorative arts, archaeological artifacts, historic objects, and more.
• Collaboration between conservators, scientists, and heritage professionals to enhance knowledge and techniques.

Membership and Resources

Members of CAC gain access to a member portal featuring a directory, recent publications, and other resource materials to support professional practice. The association also hosts annual conferences and workshops to foster knowledge exchange and networking within the conservation community.

Through its multifaceted efforts, the Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property plays a pivotal role in preserving Canada’s cultural heritage for future generations, ensuring that the material legacies of the nation remain a vibrant part of its collective memory and identity.