Workshop Title: Movers and Shakers: Strategies for the Conservation of Kinetic Art
When: May 20-23, 2025
Where: University College London-East, London, United Kingdom
Workshop fee: $800 USD (financial assistance may be available for a limited number of participants)
Number of participants: 18 maximum
Co-organized by the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), University College London (UCL) and Tate
Applications due November 25, 2024
Since the 1960s kinetic art, characterized by its incorporation of motion and the use of a wide array of materials, has undergone significant evolution, particularly with the integration of increasingly complex technologies. Consequently, the preservation and maintenance of kinetic artworks now require a broad set of technical skills, including expertise in mechanics, electronics, and digital systems.
This also necessitates close collaboration with professionals from disciplines that complement those of conservators, ensuring a holistic approach to the conservation process. This interdisciplinary approach ensures the preservation of both the functional and aesthetic aspects of kinetic artworks, addressing physical considerations as well as challenges posed by obsolescent technology and the continued operability of the works.
The workshop will be delivered through engaging lectures, hands-on practical sessions, and conversations with artists, offering participants multiple perspectives on kinetic art conservation. A site visit to Tate will provide an opportunity to examine case studies, facilitating in-depth discussions on artwork condition, conservation strategies, ethical considerations, and the practical challenges that professionals encounter in the field. The workshop is designed to provide participants with a foundation of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, essential for addressing the complexities of kinetic art conservation.
During the workshop participants will be introduced to:
• History of Kinetic Art
• Cause of Movement
• Failure and Prevention
• Basics of Mechanics, Electricity and Electronics
• Condition Assessment
• Documentation of Artworks’ Concept and Function
• Treatment Strategies
• Maintenance Planning
• Ethical Considerations for Replication and Parts Replacement
• Display Requirements
• Case Studies
Space for this workshop is limited to eighteen (18) conservation professionals specializing in the care of modern and contemporary art. No prior experience in kinetic art conservation is required to apply; however, candidates with three to five years of conservation experience are preferred. Applicants should ideally be in a position to share the knowledge and skills gained during the workshop with the broader conservation community.
TO APPLY: Applicants are required to complete an online application form and upload their curriculum vitae (CV) of no more than two pages. Further details available at https://gty.art/3Y8SLJk.
Questions? Contact gcisculpt@getty.edu