Anika Klee and Steph Strock from Auckland Museum present at NDF25.

Abstract:

Keepsafes is a project that aims to empower communities outside the Museum to be able to preserve their own taonga and histories for future generations.

However, giving conservation advice to the public can be fraught. There is a risk that advice offered in good-faith could result in damage if not interpreted correctly without in-person support. Canvassing the public to find out what they would like to take care of at home, Auckland Museum is developing a series of short videos for Youtube, TikTok and Instagram Reels. The content is short, snappy, and collection care focused, offering trustworthy advice that helps people protect their taonga from the 10 Agents of Deterioration. The videos incorporate techniques and supplies that the public can use, afford and are available to them, whilst understanding the home environment, and the pitfalls of preservation in the New Zealand climate.

This presentation will cover the production of the series, the adaptation of the Collection Care expertise into publicly accessible format, and the marketing of the end-product to make sure its reaching the right audiences.