NAG Collection Storage and Tracking

Overview

ICS partnered with Newcastle Art Gallery (NAG) and Newcastle Museum Archive Libraries and Learning (MALL) to undertake a comprehensive review of its collection storage.

The project included:

  • developing shared collection storage options for both NAG and MALL
  • outlining specific requirements
  • recommendations for building features, environmental controls, lighting, safety, risk management and security
  • benchmarking against current industry best practice for storage facilities

Year

2023

Client

Newcastle Art Gallery (NAG) and Newcastle Museum Archive Libraries and Learning (MALL)

Services

  • Museum and gallery services
  • Object tracking

Awards

Condition

Project activities

ICS commenced the project by understanding the background, context, and stakeholder-identified requirements. This included a deep analysis of the building requirement features, dedicated areas, and specific needs for both museum and gallery areas.

The team considered the essential requirements for environmental controls, lighting, safety and security.

A space mapping exercise was undertaken to determine the relative requirements for High, Medium and Low status storage environments based on a range of indicators (security, temperature, humidity, access, combined facilities, etc).

Treatment

Project Outcomes

Data gathered was used to develop an indicative layout for a potential new storage facility accommodating both institutions.  This process included a benchmarking exercise against current best practice storage facilities for Museums and Galleries, and providing information on best-practice storage equipment (plan cabinets, art racking, pallet racking, long span shelving, etc)

Recommendations and strategies were provided to mitigate identified risks, focusing on preventive measures, response planning, and ongoing monitoring.

A dedicated risk assessment was separately conducted for the temporary off-site storage in Sydney and Melbourne, focusing on risk analysis, mitigation strategies and emergency response.

During treatment

Before treatment

During treatment

After treatment

Testimonial

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