A Groundbreaking Chapter in Manila: Art Conservation Education Heads to the Philippines
- Kate Seymour | Founder and CEO
- Jan 19
- 2 min read
By Kate Seymour
I am thrilled to announce a significant milestone for Art Conservation Education. This coming April, I will be traveling to the Philippines for the very first time to launch a major new collaboration that has been months in the making.
From April 20–25, 2025, in partnership with our hosts Pearle Sapid and Sanfo 101, we will be conducting a series of advanced workshops on the scientific conservation of paintings. Held at the prestigious National Library of the Philippines and the Quezon City MICE Center, this initiative is designed to elevate conservation practices in the region to unprecedented levels.
Bridging Expertise and Heritage
As a paintings conservator and Chair of ICOM-CC, my career has been defined by a passion for education and the global exchange of technical knowledge. Whether it is through my 25 years at SRAL or leading initiatives for the Getty and Mellon Foundations, the goal has always been the same: to ensure our shared cultural history is preserved using the highest scientific standards.
Bringing Art Conservation Education to Manila represents an exciting new bridge between international best practices and the rich, vibrant heritage of the Philippines. We will be working closely with leaders from museums, historic churches, and academic institutions to dive deep into the technical and structural complexities of painting preservation.
A Journey of Firsts
While I have led workshops across Europe, India, Mexico, Brazil and Russia, this trip is particularly special to me—it is my first time visiting the Philippines. Beyond the intensive workshop schedule, I am eager to experience the local culture and reconnect with colleagues from the ICOM community. There is so much to learn from conservators from the region, and I am honored to contribute to the professional development of the local conservation community.
Join Us in Manila
The excitement is just beginning! This collaboration is a call to action for all heritage professionals in the region. If you are a custodian of cultural property, a curator, or a fellow conservator, I invite you to be part of this groundbreaking event.
Let’s work together to safeguard the artistic legacy of the Philippines for generations to come.
Stay tuned for updates from the field!
To register for the workshop or learn more about the collaboration with Sanfo 101, please contact pearle1366@gmail.com



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