Contemporary art presents a unique set of challenges for those responsible for its preservation. Today’s artists have more materials than ever at their disposal—plastics, modern paints, bacteria, gummy bears: you name it, they’ll try it—and are quick to embrace cutting-edge technologies. For its forthcoming biennial conference in Los Angeles, the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (IIC) will focus on the challenges of conserving contemporary art, in four days of lectures from 12 to 16 September. To register, visit www.iiconservation.org.