GREAT FALLS, MONT.- Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art (The Square) announces that it is one of 56 institutions in the United States selected to participate in the Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) program.

Early this autumn, on October 4, 2022, Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art was granted participation in the Collections Assessment for Preservation Program (CAP). The application for assessment of the art collection and historical building was written and submitted by the Curator of Exhibitions and Collections, Nicole Maria Evans, who maintains the importance of this process, “to support the museums mission, vision, and values to provide sustainable care of the art collection in perpetuity for the community.” Evans will work collaboratively with museum staff, and the museum’s Acquisitions, Collections, and Exhibitions Committee (ACE), to assist the visiting assessors during their visit and carry out recommendations post assessment.

Via the CAP award the museum will invite two expert assessors, one in collections care and one in building preservation care, to assess our collection, building, and storage. Sarah Justice, Executive Director, states, “This team of experts will provide The Square an important assessment of the collection's condition. Informing us on what we need to do moving forward to care and house these precious works of art. Plans for continued care of our collection aligns with our Strategic Plan to increase care for The Square’s permanent collection, including improved accessibility to the public, and achieve the museum’s goal of hiring a full-time Registrar (collections care and data management specialist).”




The American Institute for Conservation and the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FAIC), work together to promote the preservation and protection of cultural heritage in museums. CAP is administered by FAIC under a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). CAP helps museums improve the care of their collections by providing support for a general conservation assessment of the museum’s collections and buildings. The museum will work with a team of preservation professionals to identify preventive conservation priorities. The final assessment report will help the museum prioritize its collections care efforts in the coming years.

Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art (The Square) is north central Montana’s only contemporary art museum. Founded in 1977 and located in Great Falls, Montana, the museum resides in the original 1896 building of the historic Central High School. The Square is known for exhibitions that feature intriguing outsider and contemporary living artists, in conjunction with offering exciting exhibition education programs, arts focused events, and studio art classes to the community.

FAIC
The Foundation for Advancement in Conservation saves cultural heritage for future generations, protecting it from decay and destruction. Learn more about FAIC at www.culturalheritage.org/foundation.

IMLS
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.