FACTS Executive Summary
17th November 2010
FACTS evolved from the ever-increasing need for information about the preservation of artwork and keepsakes. Ignorance and misinformation results in an annual loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars, as countless items both public and personal, are damaged or destroyed each year. A simple fact is that if artwork and keepsakes are going to last they need proper care and periodic maintenance. FACTS recognized a need for reliable information and FACTS worked to establish a much needed single source of reliable, proven information.
At the time the only standards setting organization working in the arts, FACTS standards are a valuable resource. They were developed using the latest research and with the help of the art industry. As a nonprofit organization with no vested interest in content, the development of the standards was universal. FACTS standards considered all relevant materials and differing viewpoints. They addressed their subject with the most current scientific research and the widest possible participation. They were reviewed regularly to include new research and any other relevant changes in information. FACTS maintained strict guidelines for developing fair and impartial standards and was organized to meet all the requirements of proper standard setting procedures; this was reflected in the Bylaws and policies.
As a volunteer organization FACTS prided itself on its ability to direct the greatest percentage of its funding directly to its programs, and extended an open invitation to everyone to help.
Organisational Development
Founded in 1994, The Carapace Institute, Inc., dba FACTS, was a (501)(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation, Tax ID 02-0495650. All contributions to FACTS were fully tax-deductible.
FACTS was listed in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) catalogue of standards-setting organizations. FACTS ' standards-setting is recognized by the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA).
FACTS developed information and standards that dealt with art from conception to conservation. Committees were open to all interested individuals. All standards were based on reliable research. When such research was not available, standards were based on the consensus of a knowledgeable and experienced committee. All standards are voluntary - they have legal implications only when included in a contract or if adopted by the government.
FACTS did not enforce the use of its standards. They were developed as guides to the most current research or consensus opinion, to provide a reliable source of proven information, to correct misinformation, and as a basis for education. FACTS maintained an advisory committee that reviewed standards and provides the highest level of current information. The Framers Committee of the Fine Art Trade Guild has now taken on this role.
Organisational Philosophy
FACTS did not to condemn or criticize previously accepted methods, procedures and decisions that may have been proven damaging over time, but directs its energies toward correcting them.
FACTS based all information on qualified scientific research and then on consensus opinion, when that opinion is expressed by those who by training and experience are qualified to do so.
FACTS believed there are no bad products - only misused ones.
