ICOM UK Bursary Spotlight: Claire Magill at the 21st ICOM-CC Triennial Conference

Claire Magill ACR, Regional Conservator for Northern Ireland at the National Trust, a recipient of ICOM UK’s Bursary Scheme, reflects on her time at the 21st ICOM-CC Triennial Conference in Oslo this year.

ICOM UK’s Bursary Scheme is open to members who are interested in attending any international event or activity related to the museum and heritage sector.

Charlotte Newman presentation. Credit Line Claire Magill

The 21st ICOM-CC Triennial Conference in Oslo was a truly energising week, set within a city that has reinvented itself as a cultural powerhouse. From the opening night in the magnificent City Hall, delegates were welcomed into an atmosphere of generosity,
curiosity, and collaboration. Oslo’s compact layout made it easy to move between sessions, conversations, and events, creating a sense of shared purpose throughout the week.


The technical tours mid-conference were a standout, offering rare behind-the-scenes access to Norway’s most ambitious cultural projects. These visits showcased how major national investments are reshaping conservation practice and generating new knowledge.


Across the programme, aspirational talks from fellow NT colleagues demonstrated the strength and innovation within our own organisation. The Preventive Conservation sessions were particularly valuable, offering practical insights that will directly support and strengthen my work in Northern Ireland.


Throughout the week, delegates explored questions central to contemporary conservation: how to build stronger professional networks, navigate connections between past and future, advocate for diverse voices, and bridge cultural and generational divides. The event underscored conservation’s evolving role in an interconnected world — and left me inspired for what comes next.

Claire Magill attending conference. Credit Line: Charlotte Newman