In the period 2008-2012 the RCE Movable Heritage Knowledge Centre carried out research following the Movable Heritage Research Agenda.

Knowledge was compiled under five research programs on relevant topics relating to the concept of 'valuation'. This website collates all results and products from the Research Agenda 2008-2012. Many results have been presented by way of study days, symposia, workshops and publications such as specialist journals. The knowledge acquired is also deployed in consultancy and research on request.

Practical application

By creating knowledge that is directly applicable in practice the RCE contributes to responsible and professional heritage care in the Netherlands and in addition functions as a bridge between science and practice. The acquisition of knowledge under the programs is therefore primarily focused on practical application and policy support. Hence this knowledge can increase and improve the self-reliance of heritage managers and owners who are primarily responsible for our heritage care.

Collection management

The Research Agenda 2008-2012 provides an integrated approach to collection management. Each object in a collection is tangible while at the same time telling a story. The object derives its value from both tangible and intangible aspects. The valuation of the object in its context is central to the Research Agenda. All research topics are linked to the relationship between material, preservation, use, story and value. To this end, multidisciplinary teams of art and cultural historians, scientists and conservators are deployed under the programs.

Collection Management Triangle

The so-called Collection Management Triangle forms the basis of the Research Agenda.

• Gebruik=Use & value deployment 
• Behoud = Conservation & value loss minimization
• Ontwikkeling = Development & value optimization
• Central = Collectie = Collection & Cultural values/Significance/Importance

The collection (object or objects) with its attributed value stands at the centre. This value can be financial as well as cultural, artistic, intangible or emotional. Three distinct processes are used in administering that value: development, conservation and use. Development concerns adding value through acquisition, deaccession or research, which generates more knowledge about the object and its context. Conservation involves maintaining value and limiting value loss by taking appropriate measures in the field of consolidation, conservation and risk reduction. Use concerns the utilisation of objects based on their attributed value, such as subjects for exhibition, research and investigation.

Value Optimization

Collection Management is primarily about value optimization, which can be achieved through well-informed decisions about the use of resources. For example, through investment in increasing value or limiting loss of value, income can be generated directly through the collection's value. Thus Collection Management becomes value management.Accessibility
'Accessibility' is the connecting factor between the collection and the three evaluation processes. The processes can only take place when the collection or the object itself, its context and the information it holds, are accessible. Only then can it truly come into its own.

Topics

The selection of topics for the Research Agenda came about after our own inventory of knowledge gaps and consultation with the Dutch museum field. Throughout this process , relevance and topicality were regularly tested through consultations in the field. Collaboration with national and international partners in knowledge and practice was carried out to achieve optimal heritage knowledge for the Netherlands.
Research Agenda 2008-2012 - preparatory planning

The preparatory reports (in Dutch) concerning the Research Agenda 2008-2012, drawn up by the former Netherlands Institute for Cultural Heritage (ICN, now the RCE), can be downloaded here:

Rapport Van Waarde voor Waarde, deel 1 (ICN 2008) 
Rapport Van Waarde, voor Waarde, deel 2 (ICN 2009)