The Paintings Special Interest Group brings together AICCM members with a shared passion for painted surfaces in all their forms. From traditional easel paintings and murals to contemporary works and Indigenous Australian art. Our members include conservators from public institutions and private practice, students, researchers, and allied professionals across Australia.
We’re a collaborative and inclusive community, united by our interest in conservation treatment, technical art history, framing, materials analysis, and preventive care. Our goal is to support connection and professional development across distances, share expertise, and promote innovation in the field.
Our flagship event is a themed symposium, where members present projects, share ideas, and explore emerging issues. We also host workshops and online events led by Australian and international experts, offering hands-on training and space for discussion.
Convenors
Eden Christian is a senior paintings conservator at International Conservation Services (ICS). She joined ICS in 2018, working in the Sydney studio for five years before relocating to the Melbourne office in 2023. Eden has extensive experience in the conservation of easel paintings, murals, frames, and decorative finishes, and treats works on a wide range of supports. She manages complex projects across public and private collections and works closely with galleries, councils, and contractors. Eden values collaboration and actively fosters knowledge-sharing within the conservation community. As convenor, she is committed to supporting professional development and creating opportunities for training, dialogue, and peer connection within the National Paintings Group.
Events
The Paintings Special Interest Group regularly organises events that support knowledge-sharing, skill development, and professional connection among paintings conservators across Australia. In recent years, the group has hosted several events, including Australia Made: The AICCM Paintings Symposium (2021), and the Modular Cleaning Program Workshop (2025), which provided hands-on training in gel and aqueous cleaning systems. We have also delivered a variety of online lectures and discussion sessions, helping to keep the community connected and informed. The group continues to plan future programming that reflects the evolving needs and interests of its members.
We invite members to get in touch with suggestions for future events, workshops, or topics of interest. Whether you’re looking to share research, propose a training session, or highlight a conservation challenge, we welcome your ideas to help shape the group’s upcoming activities.
Contact
If you have any questions or event suggestions for the Paintings SIG, please email the convenors at paintings@aiccm.org.au