Range of Services
Art and cultural heritage are essential components of the history and identity of our society. Preserving these works and sharing knowledge about them are central to our research. Interdisciplinary teams at the Institute Materiality in Art and Culture approach these subjects from various perspectives.
Research + Development
The Institute Materiality in Art and Culture conducts both application- and development-oriented research as well as practical basic research. Our projects receive funding from various sources, including Innosuisse, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), other foundations and the private sector. Additionally, the Institute also holds mandates from the Swiss Confederation for the areas of European standardisation and from the Canton of Bern for the inventory of art in public space.
Contract Research and Services
At our Institute, we specialize in carrying out material analyses on art and cultural heritage. We utilize a range of methods and instruments, some of which have been developed in-house. Our team's vast experience allows us to interpret the results effectively, providing valuable insights into the analysed materials.
We specialize in developing research-based conservation and restoration concepts. Our team of experts offers valuable advice in this field:
- Consultancy and development of research-based concepts in conservation-restoration
- Consulting artists on age-related material changes and material choices
- Consultancy services to clients seeking assistance with the preservation of listed buildings, on dealing with the consequences of climate change and with restoration projects.
We offer investigations in provenance research, work attribution and field research for artwork inventory:
- Field research, mediation and inventory of art in public spaces and art in architecture
- Advice on European standards in the field of cultural heritage conservation (CEN TC 346)
Infrastructure
The Institute Materiality in Art and Culture not only boasts excellent infrastructure but also benefits from the expertise of researchers from the HKB division of Conservation and Restoration and the HKB Art Technological Laboratory. Additionally, the media library provides a wealth of technological source material and literature from the fields of research and conservation science.
Teaching and Research
Pathways into research for teachers
Teachers interested in research have a wide range of opportunities to gain a foothold in research, whether by joining active projects, developing their own project proposals or through selective collaborations. Start-up funding, coaching and peer reviews facilitate entry into the field. In addition, active participation in specialist conferences and meetings is financially supported.
Interested?
Contact: Nina Mekacher, Head of the Institute Materiality in Art and Culture
Pathways into research for students
At the beginning of the Conservation and Restoration degree programme, the principles of scientific work are taught in the regular curriculum, encompassing both critical thinking and effective writing, as well as the systematic approach to practical work. The research-related courses then build upon this foundation, preparing students for their Master's thesis, which includes a compulsory research component. The Master's thesis serves as the final project of the Conservation and Restoration degree programme.
Research programmes for interested students and professionals
- Master degree with a focus on research (for holders of a university of applied sciences diploma)
- Applied Research Course
- SWISS CRC – Course Research Skills for Conservation-Restoration
- Lecture series Forschungs-Mittwoch
Any questions?
Contact: Nina Mekacher, Head of the Institute Materiality in Art and Culture
Training + Continuing Education
The Institute maintains a close partnership with the division of Conservation and Restoration. A significant portion of the teaching staff is actively engaged in research activities.
Bachelor of Arts Conservation
As part of their education, students are exposed to research results for the first time during their studies. Additionally, they have the opportunity to further explore research through optional attendance at the lecture series ‘Forschungs-Mittwoch’ (Research Wednesdays).
Master of Arts Conservation-Restoration
The Conservation and Restoration programme requires a research component in the Master’s thesis, and, in addition to providing the scientific tools, the programme offers the Swiss CRC Research Course (5 ECTS credits) and the option to pursue the Applied Research Course (5 ECTS credits). Moreover, students are encouraged to attend the lecture series ‘Forschungs-Mittwoch’ (Research Wednesdays).
CAS Interdisciplinary Work Attribution and Provenance Research
This training programme, developed jointly with the Institute Materiality in Art and Culture, holds significant potential for both communicating research findings and generating new and relevant research questions.
