General Preservation Assessment Surveys are the important first step in improving an institution's preservation and conservation conditions. A conservator visits the institution to make a thorough investigation of the overall condition of the collection and facilities, especially factors that affect preservation issues. The conservator will review the collection and observe the conditions and policies under which the objects are stored, exhibited, and monitored. After the site visit, the conservator will generate a written and photographic report that describes what has been found. Included in this report is a list of preservation and conservation priorities and recommendations for addressing those priorities. This general survey report is a valuable and necessary tool for creating a preservation plan for the institution's collections.

Substantial financial assistance from numerous sources including the IMLS/Heritage Preservation and our own Subsidized Survey Program (Click to view Subsidized Survey Application here) is available for General Assessment Surveys. For important funding opportunities contact our Preservation Services department at info@preserveart.org or 612- 870-3128

Object by Object Surveys are conducted after the completion of a General Preservation Assessment Survey and focus on the items in a collection or a portion of the collection. A conservator examines each item in a class of objects (painting, artifact, print, drawing, textile, etc.) and determines its condition and conservation needs. Brief individual condition reports and documentation are prepared for each piece. These short but informative condition reports state the construction and condition of the object; present recommendations for treatment; and place a numeric priority for conservation intervention on the piece.  An Object by Object Survey is a valuable and necessary tool for curatorial decision making, establishing a preservation strategy, and determining priority care. Importantly, many Federal and State granting agencies require an Object by Object Survey before monies will be allocated for the conservation of individual works in a collection.