Bridging the Gaps between Theory and Practice through Cross-Institutional Collaboration in the Conservation of Contemporary Art

This chapter examines the dynamics of research collaboration between universities and museums in the field of contemporary art conservation through two theoretical frames: mode three collaboration and post-critical museology. Taking a past research project as a case-study, it explores three questions: what are the benefits and challenges for theory and practice when academic and professional researchers work together? How to respond to the suspicion that academic research might lose its critical edge by answering to the pragmatic goals of the institution it works with? What makes collaborations work in such a way that they acknowledge the value of working together? The chapter argues the importance of moving beyond the practice/theory dichotomy and promoting the transparent development of a shared problem space.