The International Council on Archives (ICA), in collaboration with Cultural Emergency Response (CER) and partners, is inviting ICA members to apply for the regional training programme Emergency Response for Documentary Heritage, taking place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 30 November to 4 December 2026.
About the programme
The programme responds to increasing risks facing documentary heritage in South and South-East Asia. It aims to strengthen professional skills in disaster preparedness, emergency response and recovery for written documentary heritage through practical training, group exercises and simulations. The course will conclude with a Closing Conference bringing together regional and international stakeholders to share best practice.
Who can apply
Applications are open to ICA members working as archivists, librarians or records managers in South and South-East Asia (full list of eligible countries is available in the full call for participants) who are responsible for or engaged with at-risk documentary heritage collections. Applicants must hold an active ICA membership (Categories A–D) and provide a membership number (or proof of pending membership if newly registered).
The course will be delivered in English only, with no interpretation provided.
What is covered
Selected participants will receive a grant covering accommodation, meals, travel and visa costs. The ICA will also cover airfare for selected ICA members.
The application deadline is 16 June 2026.
