Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 2-11 October, the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, in partnership with The University of Chicago held a two-week workshop in Tashkent’s State Museum of History on the preservation of cultural heritage for ten conservators and museum professionals from the National Museums of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan.

The workshop was conducted by expert conservators Susanne Gaensicke, Alison Whyte, and Fabio Colombo, which focused on preserving vital materials like textiles, wood, leather, and stone.

Over the course of the workshop, the participants engaged in hands-on learning to address four essential material classes, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of internationally accepted best practices in object conservation.  This event not only highlights the importance of preserving Central Asia's rich cultural heritage but also emphasizes the value of international cooperation in achieving these goals.

“The workshop signifies a long-term commitment of the United States to enhancing the capacity of museum professionals in the region, showcasing the importance of preserving Central Asia’s rich cultural heritage through collaborative efforts.  Together, we’re ensuring that the treasures of our past are safeguarded for future generations to cherish,” Ambassador Jonathan Henick stated.

Funded by the Department of State, this renewed training initiative builds on a previous partnership that ran from 2018 to 2022, under the Cultural Training Partnership for Artifact Conservation (C5 CTPAC) program, in which The University of Chicago shared best practices in conservation with museum conservators across Central Asia.