Conservation treatments

The Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) offers conservation treatments on objects, cultural belongings and works of art in order to prevent further deterioration, aid interpretation or re-establish culturally significant qualities. Treatments can range from minimal stabilization to more extensive restoration.

Who can apply?

Our primary clients include museums, archives, libraries, art galleries and cultural centres, whose principal role is to acquire, conserve, exhibit (for purposes of study, education and enjoyment), conduct research on and communicate about permanent heritage collections that are accessible to the Canadian public. The majority of expert services delivered on site at CCI are provided to these clients at no cost.

How to apply

To apply, complete the conservation treatment request form. Please note that requests for the following types of objects, cultural belongings and works of art will be considered in the current review period:

• Furniture and wooden objects
• Textiles
• Paintings
• Objects
• Photographs
• Archival documents

Due to our limited capacity, we are not accepting requests for the following types of objects, cultural belongings and works of art:

• Works of art on paper
• Books

Fees

For more information on fees, please consult the following:

• Fees for eligible client categories
• Fee schedule

Application period

Unless otherwise specified, applications for treatment services can be submitted until October 15 of each year. Please note that the completion date for selected projects will depend on the complexity of the treatment.

Note that requests relating to emergency stabilization of objects, cultural belongings and works of art are evaluated upon receipt.

Response to requests

CCI will respond to requests within three weeks of receipt to confirm that the application is complete and that the request is eligible for consideration. Clients will be informed of the results of the assessment by December 31. Clients whose requests have been accepted will be told what terms, conditions and fees (if any) will apply.

How are requests evaluated?

Requests are evaluated against the criteria for assessment of service requests.

Terms and conditions

Successful applicants will be required to agree to the following terms and conditions (1 to 20).

Client satisfaction standard

Clients who receive services from CCI will receive an evaluation questionnaire based on the following 11 quality parameters:

• Application process
• Acknowledgement of the initial request
• Explanation of fees
• Explanation of service to be provided
• Communication during the project
• Promptness of service
• Quality of service
• Usefulness of service
• Quality of written material provided (for example, a report)
• Dealings with staff (friendly, courteous and helpful)
• Overall value

Contact us

To submit requests for scientific or technical advice, please contact the Canadian Conservation Institute.