Preservation is at the heart of a curator’s responsibilities. Artifacts and works of art are often fragile, vulnerable to the passage of time, and subject to environmental conditions. Part of my role involves ensuring that each piece is properly cared for, using the latest conservation techniques to slow down the process of deterioration. This might mean controlling the temperature and humidity in the gallery, ensuring that paintings are framed with UV-protective glass, or working with conservation experts to restore delicate artifacts to their original condition. It's a careful balance between keeping the art as close to its original form as possible while protecting it from the ravages of time.