Preservation of Buddhist Treasures Workshop 2025

Join internationally renowned art conservator Ann Shaftel for an exclusive four-day workshop at the Great Stupa Library. Learn the principles of preserving sacred Buddhist texts, thangkas, and artifacts in this rare hands-on experience.

This four-day workshop offers a comprehensive introduction to preservation of Buddhist art and devotional objects. Whether you would like to know how to care for your treasures at home or at your Buddhist centre, museum or gallery, this workshop will expose you to all the information, resources and practical skills you need to look after your collection with confidence and sensitivity.

The workshop will be held at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo, Victoria, providing an immersive experience. The workshop’s presenter Ann Shaftel, a highly qualified art conservator, will share her unique expertise through information sessions and hands-on preservation training. You will learn:

• how to display, store and safely handle Buddhist art object
• how to care for metal, wood, textile, bone, paper, and composite objects
• how to document different types of collection objects
• how to undertake risk assessment of your collection
• how to protect collections during disasters

Click through to 'Get tickets' to book the four day workshop, inclusive of full catering (all meals will be vegetarian, please specify any dietary requirements at the time of booking), workshop materials and handouts. Accommodation is an additional cost, please review the options which can be booked at the same time as your workshop ticket.

Please note that if a shared room is booked, rooms will be allocated based on gender and we may contact you to make adjustments to your booking. Off-site accommodation can be booked in Bendigo or surrounds, however there is no public transport to the Great Stupa site.