About PACA

The Protection of Australasian Cultural Assets (PACA) is a collaborative network of cultural institutions dedicated to strengthening the protection, resilience, and sustainability of people, collections, places, and operations across the Australasian region.

PACA was established in 2003 following the inaugural Security Forum hosted by the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) in Sydney. The forum brought together security leaders from major Australian museums and galleries to discuss shared challenges and opportunities in protective security, risk management, and institutional resilience.

Originally established as the Australasian Cultural Institutions Security Steering Committee (ACISSC), the organisation evolved as its membership, influence, and strategic focus expanded. Reflecting this growth, the group adopted the name PACA to better represent its broader mission of supporting cultural institutions in protecting their assets, people, and operations.

For more than two decades, PACA has provided a trusted forum for professionals to share knowledge, build capability, and explore emerging issues affecting the cultural sector. Through its annual conference, hosted on a rotating basis by member organisations across Australia and New Zealand, PACA facilitates collaboration and professional exchange across protective security, safety, risk management, emergency and disaster management, business continuity, facilities management, and organisational resilience.

Today, PACA continues to strengthen connections throughout Australia, New Zealand, and the wider Asia-Pacific region, fostering a diverse network of cultural institutions committed to leading practice, innovation, and continuous improvement in the protection of cultural assets.

Our Purpose

PACA exists to:

  • Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing across cultural institutions.

  • Advance leading practice in protective security and risk management.

  • Support organisational resilience and preparedness.

  • Strengthen professional networks across the sector.

  • Enhance the protection of cultural assets for future generations.

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PACA Vision & Mission Statements
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People enjoying a water fountain display under a large tree with green leaves at the Queensland Art Gallery.
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