Evolving Conservation Practices in Local Tropical Climates
Asia Pacific Focus
7-10 December 2026
5 sites and 3 locations in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Lenggon
Cultural conservation helps Southeast Asian nations to manage and present their collections and determine the stories and identities they share. Access to collections is critical to understand what it means to care for heritage, as we revisit histories and engage with decolonisation, inclusion and sovereignty.
Conservation can be difficult in tropical climates, with high risks of decay and natural disaster. However, challenge-led experiences also provide possibilities, adaptions and creative futures.
After almost 20 years, APTCCARN7 is returning to Malaysia where it held its first meeting in 2008.
In these two decades, the practice of cultural conservation in the Tenggara-South of Southeast Asia has formed its distinct character, thought style and learning communities.
Over 3-4 days, APTCCARN7 will engage with:
Who decides? Culture is conserved only when people care. But then who decides what is cared for and whose voice is represented?
For what local contexts? From local contexts, inclusive and collective responses can evolve. Across Southeast Asia is it possible to identify shared regional practices and common approaches?
Does a common view of cultural conservation exist? Approaches to cultural heritage follows its own pathway in Southeast Asia. This means there are multiple ways to understand how cultural conservation is practiced and recognised.
What change do we want to see? As climate changes, we change our practices and develop new ways of doing things. Our approach to heritage, adapts and evolves to offer promising new ideas for cultural conservation.
We will engage in discussion panels, study visits and listening sessions.
APTCCARN7 invites expressions of interest from heritage practitioners, creatives and museum workers to exchange ideas to learn from each other’s experience.
Call for Participation
We welcome submissions to present, moderate sessions and participate. For presentations submit 150 words for 5-minute presentations that address the APTCCARN7 themes.
Organising committee
National Art Gallery Kuala Lumpur
Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation, Faculty of Arts, University of Melbourne
We acknowledge traditional owners on the lands on which we work and learn. We pay respect to the Elders, past and present, and the place of Indigenous knowledge in the academy.
Who decides?
For what local contexts?
Does a common view of cultural conservation exist?
What change do we want to see?
KEY DATES
Participation submission15 June 2026
Accepted participation15 July 2026
Registrations open August 2026
APTCCARN7 7-10 December 2026
Option submit a written paper 30 January 2027