ICOM-CC 18th Triennial Conference: Bringing ‘hygge’ to conservation

The word ‘hygge'(pronounced hue-guh) is defined  as ‘a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture)’ and is a concept that does well to describe the atmosphere at the International Council of Museums – Conservation Committee (ICOM-CC) 18th Triennial Conference in Copenhagen last week.

Achieving ‘hygge’ at any conference would be commendable, but at a conference on the scale of ICOM-CC with over 1000 delegates coming from around the world to take part in 5 concurrent sessions presenting 150 peer-reviewed papers and 100 posters in 21 working groups is remarkable and to the credit of the National Organising Committee. As I cycled to work this morning, inspired perhaps by the 36% of Danes who commute daily by bicycle, I reflected on how they had managed and came up with the following:

1. Balance. The format of the week was no doubt well tried and tested at the previous 17 ICOM-CC triennials but the timetable of papers within each working group, ratio of working group to plenary sessions and the timing of the technical visits felt, to me as an ICOM-CC novice, very well balanced. The theme of the conference, Linking Past and Future, was inspired by the 50th anniversary of ICOM-CC and broadly revolved around linking past advances with future directions. It permeated all aspects of the conference from the excellent key note speakers to the working group sessions. It also led to some difficult choices having to be made about which working group session to attend.
2. Space. Although the choices were difficult, the logistics of making the most of the varied programme were easy at the Tivoli Hotel and Congress Center. The spacious, light-filled venue space worked well for the large delegate numbers, with the working group sessions easily accessible in peripheral conference rooms. Smaller seated areas within the open area allowed for work or social chat among colleagues.
3. A social emphasis. According to Jeppe Linnet, (a Danish anthropologist) “Hygge as an experience has a big social component. Being with others is at the core of the concept” and the array of cultural activities and social events running alongside the scientific program certainly made the most of the potential for an engaging exchange on both a professional and social level. One of the most notable for me was the fiftieth anniversary which was celebrated with a free reception at the spectacular Royal Danish Library in the Black Diamond.
4. Interaction. The wholehearted and positive interaction was, of course, very evident at the social events, but was also present in the working group sessions. The international focus and inclusion of ICOM-CC is certainly one of its strengths and the bringing together of this global community encouraged a meaningful dialogue and collaboration based on shared concerns and ambitions.
5. Finding the Positive. It is said that Danes follow the advice ‘Der findes intet der hedder dårligt vejr, kun dårligt påklædning!’ (‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing!’) and this was certainly put to the test when it began to rain at precisely the moment buses and walking tours left for the technical visits to the city museums and galleries on Wednesday afternoon. Ponchos were swiftly handed out and the now highly visible delegates made their way across the city, where they received a ‘warm’ (in all meanings of the word) welcome from their hosts. I’ll have to remind myself of this when I am cycling home later …

These things may have more to do with the natural tendencies of the conservation community than ‘hygge’ but they certainly all made for an excellent week. So what have I brought home from this experience: renewed courage and energy to advance my conservation practice inspired by the talks and new and stronger relationships with friendly and forthcoming colleagues. I would like to say ‘mange tak’ to the Anna Plowden Trust and Clotherworkers’ Foundation for their financial support for my attendance.

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