Thursday, 9th September 2021

Trident Manor joins forces with SOS Archivi to increase understanding and awareness of threats and risks to cultural heritage among Italian professionals in this field, supporting the establishment of effective security practices.

Flooding, earthquakes, protests, conflicts: these are just some of the threats that in 2021 have significantly impacted cultural venues and sites across the world, and which has resulted in great disruptions to communities' traditions and life practices. More than ever there is a need for proactive actions to be taken, and cross-field collaborations among institutions can generate new ideas and best practices. 

For this reason, Trident Manor is delighted to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SOS Archivi, an Italian association that promotes prevention and emergency management in the archival sector, to provide specialist cultural protection services and to work collaboratively to safeguard cultural heritage. 

Trident Manor will support SOS Archivi by providing bespoke specialist cultural protection training programmes, some of which are certified. The MoU also includes the delivery of security, risk, and crisis management consultancy services to the SOS Archivi community and as such empowering Italian heritage professionals to better protect cultural property from threats such as climate change, organised crime, and anti-social behaviour. 

“This partnership comes at a time when also internationally there is a strong push for cooperation and knowledge sharing among countries. Damage to and loss of cultural heritage are pressing issues that need to be tackled and working collaboratively is the best way to move forward. I’m delighted to have led to the establishment of this agreement and I look forward to future engagements with my Italian colleagues” said Valentina Sabucco, Cultural Property Protection Lead at Trident Manor. 

The combination of knowledge and synergies from both organisations will offer a 360-degree service where experts in conservation practises, security, and training come together to support cultural venues proactively manage, mitigate and, where possible, prevent threats and risks to collections. 

As Andy Davis, Managing Director of Trident Manor, commented: “Over the years Trident Manor has provided training and consultancy services to several heritage organisations around the world, be they museums, galleries, archives, libraries, or sites. The knowledge of our team comes from experience on the ground combined with relevant studies and qualifications in the sector. If this knowledge can help even one venue protecting its collections and assets, we cannot ask for a higher reward.” 

“This MoU with Trident Manor represents an important step for SOS Archivi: this is an active and effective collaboration on topics of risks and security in the cultural heritage sector, where Trident brings its direct experience in the international arena and the Association avails its network to create an ideal synergy among professionals that work in the heritage sector and risk management professionals,” said Massimo Cruciotti, President of SOS Archivi.

Press Release (ENG) - MoU between TM and SOS Archivi.pdf

Press Release (ITA) - MoU between TM and SOS Archivi.pdf