RESOLUTIONof the Ministers with responsibility for Cultural Affairs meeting within the Councilof 13 November 1986on the conservation of works of art and artefacts(86/C 320/03)

1. The Ministers responsible for cultural affairs recognize the importance of conservation of the European cultural heritage in respect of works of art and artefacts of cultural and historical significance, including archives and books. European countries possess a wealth of cultural material which must be preserved and safeguarded for the benefit of present and future generations. The preservation of the architectural heritage is the subject of a separate resolution. The preservation of movable works of art and artefacts involves environmental protection and the restoration and repair of the objects just as much as their physical safeguarding. It requires the cooperation of all those interested in the artistic and cultural heritage, especially the international organizations and experts active in this field. The Ministers also recognize the usefulness of accurate information on the cultural heritage in order to encourage conservation. 2. The Ministers also recognize the need for public awareness of these questions to be increased and for cooperation between the public and private sectors to be strengthened. They acknowledge the importance of improving and intensifying training, the benefits of making available information on experienced conservators and conservation courses, and the value of exchanging technical information on conservation matters. 3. With these considerations in mind, the Ministers believe that conservation is a subject deserving careful examination within Member States and across the Community as a whole, taking account also of work being done within the Council of Europe in this field. 4. Accordingly, Ministers agree to encourage the conservation of works of art and artefacts, for example by such means as: - examining the scope for coordination of individual conservation efforts in the public and private sectors, -preparing documentation connected with conservation of works of art and artefacts of cultural and historical significance, -encouraging the provision of training to meet identified needs, involving public and private resources as appropriate, -exchanging information on conservation expertise as well as on training, -assessing policy on conservation, especially technical guidance in specialist fields, and facilitating the dissemination of such guidance and the exchange of conservation expertise in Europe. 5. They take note of the Commission's intention to contribute further to the realization of measures in this field.