AIC 53rd Annual Meeting

What is a nonprofit regional center? This question often arises among conservation and preservation professionals. The staff at the Balboa Art Conservation Center (BACC) have spent the past four years answering it for themselves. Founded in 1975 by George Stout and Richard Buck, BACC was established to serve the collections and conservation needs of a select group of San Diego institutions. Over the decades, BACC adapted its identity and role in response to economic shifts, technological advances, fluctuating preservation interest, and social changes. Historically, BACC met its nonprofit duty by offering training fellowships and operating on a fee-for-service basis, which limited access to those who could afford it. This business model was over-reliant on earned revenue, and rendered the organization incapable of serving anyone who was unable to pay. BACC struggled to exist as a high capacity but exclusive and inaccessible organization for decades.

The retirement of a long-standing executive director at the end of 2019, along with the search for a new one in early 2020, combined with the COVID-19 pandemic and national protests following George Floyd’s murder, sparked significant institutional changes. Without an executive director, BACC staff stepped up into leadership roles. Staff envisioned a transformative era for BACC, aiming to make it relevant and responsive to the local community. They launched programs like Preserve Community Art, which focused on preserving protest art and its stories. The success of these programs confirmed the new direction for BACC. Collaborating with the board, they sought a new director who understood nonprofit work and could build community connections. They found the right person. BACC has spent the last four years making up for 46 years of exclusivity, opening its doors to all and inviting in those who were intentionally left out. Being in conversation with community partners has reshaped BACC’s mission, work, and the way the organization operates

BACC understands and acknowledges its historical role in perpetuating structural inequities and prioritizes access and equity to foster diversity and inclusion within the conservation field and broader arts community. The Center continues to provide conservation treatments while rethinking how regional conservation centers interact with collections and communities. The new vision includes inclusive conservation programs that extend access to underserved communities, support education and training, and partner with caretakers of community-based cultural collections. Additionally, BACC aims to expand knowledge in culturally conscious conservation methods by collaborating with creators and custodians of diverse cultural and ancestral collections.

This radical shift repositions BACC’s relationship with collections and communities, moving away from saviorism and charity-based service towards collective responsibility for the preservation of cultural heritage. This transformation has brought up questions about the role of regional centers and provoked varied responses from the field and funders. Some offer enthusiastic support, while others defend traditional approaches. Despite these reactions, BACC remains committed to its mission, adapting to the evolving needs of the cultural ecosystem. The Center’s renewed mission is clear: The Balboa Art Conservation Center advances the study and preservation of cultural heritage for all communities.