The Institute of Artistic, Cultural and Natural Property (IBC) of the Emilia Romagne region was set up in 1974 and restructured in 1995 by a law that granted it greater autonomy. The IBC constitutes a unique experiment in Italy. The laws define it as an instrument of regional planning and a consultation body for local organizations in the cultural property sector. Its objectives range from the preparation of a regional inventory of artistic, cultural and natural property and the preparation of intervention plans intended for the guardianship and enhancement of the cultural heritage and training of specialized staff.

The BIC comprises of two departments - Museums and Cultural Property, and the Regional Department for the enumeration of Books and Archives.
Since it began its operations, the institute has paid special attention to the cultural heritage in the socio-sanitary sector.
It was at the end of the1970s that the first regulatory action concerning Public Aid and Welfare Institutions (IPAB) began, only to end in 1980 after an exhibition and the preparation of a catalogue on "art and piety".
The second major program of activities started in the second half of the 1990s following the restructuring of Public Hospital Administration in 1995, resulting in the establishment of "Local Health Units" and Hospital Establishments at the provincial level, with expertise on historical cultural heritage of their structures. Two study and restoration survey campaigns have been carried out in particular at AUSL in Ravène, leading to four publications and two exhibitions aimed at opening up and making the most of historical artistic collections and architectural assets.
These campaigns aroused the interest of the AUSL in Ferra and Regio Emilia. In Bologna, the Sainte Marie de la Vie Hospital and the adjoining chapel are being partially converted into a Health Museum.