The Expanded Metal Company steps up to protect cultural heritage
We’re delighted to announce that we are sponsoring the International Arts and Antiquities Security Forum (IAASF) Conference, taking place this September.
The ‘Protecting Cultural Heritage in a Global Pandemic’ conference, from 1-2 September, 2021 at the Mercure Darlington Kings Hotel, Darlington has been arranged in direct response of the challenges faced by the arts and culture sector in protecting their assets.
The IAASF conference offers the opportunity to meet renowned experts who will be discussing the latest advice and best practices in the fields of cultural property protection and security.
The ability to maintain and protect collections and venues has been made harder through the pandemic because of restrictions, loss of revenue and reduced staff numbers. This has increased the likelihood of collections, venues and sites being targeted by criminals.
We will be supporting the IAASF by sharing our expertise around security risks and advising on solutions which can help venues protect their buildings, staff and priceless assets.
One such solution provided by The Expanded Metal Company is ExMesh™ Securilath™ security mesh, a discreet method of reinforcing walls, ceilings, roofs and windows. LPCB tested and accredited*, Securilath™ is a versatile material which can be easily fitted during construction or retrofit and can strengthen storerooms and partitions. You can find out more about our security products here.
The IAASF, headquartered in North East England, is dedicated to supporting and educating a global audience in the protection of arts, antiquities and cultural heritage. It achieves this through the use of social media, exhibitions and conferences. The ultimate aim of the IAASF is to provide those involved in the protection and safeguarding of cultural and heritage sites with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to play a proactive role in the protection of the venues, artefacts and visitors to the sites.
The ’Protecting Cultural Heritage in a Global Pandemic’ conference will cover threats to sites and assets, details of the current criminal patterns and trends and concepts of security design principles as well as:
- Cultural venue security operational practices
- Training and education within the cultural and heritage sectors
- Security Risk Management practices
- Logistical considerations
- Insurance considerations
Philip Astley, Managing Director, The Expanded Metal Company said: “As a fellow North East-based organisation we’re delighted to be supporting the IAASF and sponsoring an event which addresses the need to protect cultural and heritage venues.
“It saddens me that we do need to talk about the protection of arts and antiquities after the undoubtedly challenging time the industry has already faced, caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. However, I look forward to sharing our expertise and discussing the physical security measures that can be applied to safeguard items which can have an immeasurable historic and cultural significance”
The event is open to anyone with responsibilities for the protection, custody, and management of arts and antiquities, venues, and events. For more information and to sign up for the event please visit the Eventbrite page.
*LPCB LPS 1175: Issue 8 SR1, SR2 and SR 3 rated
