Workshop: Treatment Strategies for Painted Outdoor Sculpture in Melbourne, Australia

The Getty Conservation Institute, in partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), invites applications for our five-day, in-person workshop in Melbourne, Australia, April 27-May 1, 2026. This program is designed for conservators seeking to deepen their understanding of the unique challenges posed by painted outdoor sculpture-works that combine complex materials, large scale, and exposure to harsh environmental conditions.

Through lectures, site visits, and hands-on exercises, participants will explore strategies for assessing condition, planning treatments, and extending maintenance cycles. Real-world case studies from NGV's sculpture garden and Melbourne's public artworks will anchor discussions on coating failures, paint systems, logistics, and sustainability. Practical sessions on mockups will allow experimentation with localized techniques that delay full repainting.

The curriculum draws on expertise from leading conservators and paint industry professionals. Topics include project management, graffiti removal, retouching, safety practices, and collaboration with artists' estates and stakeholders. Space is limited to 24 participants selected on the basis of demonstrated need and applicability of the workshop content to their current or future work.

Dates: April 27-May 1, 2026
Location: National Gallery of Australia, Melbourne, Australia
Fee: $800 (includes materials, lunches, and group events)
Application Deadline: December 3, 2025

Learn more and apply: https://gty.art/POS_Wkshp