PROGRAM OF THE PANEL DISCUSSIONS
– SATURDAY 22ND –

9.00 – Conservation
From Mexico to Malta: The Transatlantic Legacy of 18th-Century Paintings by Morlete Ruiz and their Conservation-Restoration.
This presentation will showcase the typical procedures adapted by conservators, and how they must work in a multidisciplinary team through a concrete example.
(Joanna Hiil Micallef)

9.30 – International Relations
(Russell Muscat)

10.00 – Technology & Experience Development
Bringing the Past to Life: Careers in Digitising Malta’s National Collection.
(Francesco Vella)

10.30 – Science
Using Science to Unravel the Past
The session aims to break down barriers and show that science is not mysterious or difficult; it is an exciting way of unlocking the past.
(Matthew Grima)

11.00 – Conservation
Preventive Conservation
This presentation will provide a bird’s-eye view of the role played by the Preventive Conservation Unit within the agency.
(Claire Barbara)

11.30 – Curatorial
Photographic Archival Workshop: Tracing Archaeological Sites Through Time
Research is one of the most vital tasks of a curator, helping them to better understand the site they are responsible for. Photographic records form an essential part of this research.
This workshop invites participants to explore how archival photos can give us an in-depth insight into archaeological sites.
(Christian Mintoff)

Noon –  Conservation
Textile and Conservation: Treatments and approaches
This presentation provides a brief outlook on how artefacts are typically tackled by conservators inside conservation laboratories.
(Leyre Quevedo)

12.30 – Projects Support, Trades & Security
An insight into ongoing projects, as well as different trades one can have in the cultural heritage sector.
(Kevin Abela or delegate)

13.00 – Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit (UCHU)
An insight on the different careers at the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit
(Julia Zerafa/Rachel Bowman)

13.30 – Technology & Experience Development
Heritage in Motion: Multimedia and the Digital Visitor Experience.
(Jacob Saliba)

14.00 – Projects
Professionals in Conservation Projects: A case study: The Grand Master’s Palace.
(David Zahra)

14.30 – Exhibition & Spatial Design
The Disaster of War – A Case Study: Exhibition.
This presentation will explore how architecture and graphics converge to tell a story that will resonate deeply with visitors.
(Stefania Zuccarello)

15.00 – Technology & Experience Development
Careers in Protecting Heritage Malta’s Digital Future – Data Security Systems.
(Daniel Cassar)

15.30 – Exhibitions
An insight into the functions of the Exhibitions Department: The development & logistics aspects
(Pierre Bonello)

16.00 – Conservation
Conservation and Restoration
This presentation will demonstrate the complexities and challenges of conservation and how it relies heavily on science. (Jeanelle Lentini)

PROGRAM OF THE PANEL DISCUSSIONS
– SUNDAY 23RD – 

9.00 – Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit (UCHU)
An insight on the different careers at the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit
(Julia Zerafa/Rachel Bowman)

9.30 – Conservation
Uncovering Neptune – the discovery of a painted niche
An insight into how conservators approach on-site work, and how they must act ethically and together with various other professionals within the agency.
(Sephora Borg/Jeanelle Lentini)

10.00 – Projects
Professionals in Conservation Projects: A case study: The Grand Master’s Palace.
(David Zahra)

10.30 – Exhibition & Spatial Design
Wayfinding Systems – Enhancing movement through design
This presentation will show the team’s efforts in reimagining the wayfinding system, revealing the journey from strategy and design to manufacturing and installation.
(George Cardona)

11.00 – Projects Support, Trades & Security
An insight into ongoing projects, as well as different trades one can have in the cultural heritage sector.
(Kevin Abela or delegate)

11.30 – Curatorial
Building a Prehistoric Pottery Kiln: An Experimental Archaeology Approach
The presentation will outline the kiln-building and firing process in full, including both successes and failures, highlighting challenges, unexpected outcomes, and lessons learned that contribute to a deeper understanding of ancient ceramic production.
(Daniel Borg)

Noon – Education & Thematic
Beyond Barriers: Building Inclusive Heritage Experiences
The session highlights how accessibility is becoming a growing career path within museums and cultural organizations—encouraging participants to see inclusivity not just as a duty, but as a creative opportunity for professional growth.
(Vanessa Ciantar)

13.30 – Technology & Experience Development
Funding the Future of Heritage: EU Projects and Opportunities at Heritage Malta.

(Fernando Sanchez)

14.00 – Conservation
Conservation and restoration of a wedding dress.
This presentation gives a generic view of the daily challenges faced by conservators. This will be shown through a case study involving the treatment of a wedding dress.
(Claire Bonavia)

14.30 – Technology & Experience Development
From Archives to Access: Digital Collections and Careers in Heritage Data Management.
(Andrew Pace)

15.00 – Science
Using Science to Unravel the Past
The session aims to break down barriers and show that science is not mysterious or difficult; it is an exciting way of unlocking the past.
(Matthew Grima)

15.30 – Conservation
Ethics in Conservation
This presentation outlines how conservators must adhere to ethics to respect the authenticity of artworks. This will be shown through examples of complex and challenging treatments involving the removal of old varnish and overpaint.
(Rachel Vella)