We had an art exhibition recently with multiple artists and poets and they were all treated the same, although admittedly none of the poetry was previously published. Everyone had the same art agreement for use of the art/poetry for the limited time of the exhibition, all right were retained by the artisits/poets, etc. Some of the poetry was submitted in an "art format" – i.e. in a frame, sometimes with artistic embellishment. Others were vinyl printed and wall mounted. Some of the poets agreed to record a reading of the piece which was installed with tight directional speakers so you could only hear them reading it while in front of their piece.
Hope that helps.
K. Lara Templin | Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
Education Administrator - Gallery Experience Manager | Public History
P.O. Box 1607, Williamsburg, VA 23187-1607
P: (757) 253-7311 | (757) 847-3126
Original Message:
Sent: 5/18/2026 11:00:00 AM
From: Kailen Rogers
Subject: RE: Loan Agreement Question: Poetry
When we include published written work, or commission new work, in our galleries, we use a media usage agreement. It's the same form we use to license images, and allows the collaborator to select the types of usage permitted (in-gallery only, external signage, website, social media, brochures). But it's not a loan form because we're not showing a physical object and there is no need for insurance, transportation, conservation requirements, etc.
------------------------------
Kailen Rogers
Associate Director, Exhibitions
Yale Peabody Museum
New Haven CT
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 05-15-2026 03:55 PM
From: Darcie Abbatiello
Subject: Loan Agreement Question: Poetry
Hello all,
I hope you're well.
The art museum where I work is organizing an exhibition that brings together visual artwork and poetry by two different artists. We will be using a standard loan agreement for the artworks borrowed from the visual artist.
For the poet's work, the poems will be printed on vinyl for wall display, and some will be printed in-house and presented in vitrines.
I'm wondering how others have approached this scenario, specifically, whether you generate a loan agreement for poems presented in this way. My inclination is to do so, since the poems function as exhibition objects and the agreement can also address permissions (e.g., photography and reproduction).
Has anyone handled a similar situation, and if so, what approach did you take?
Thank you in advance for your insights.
Best regards,
Darcie Abbatiello
------------------------------
Darcie Abbatiello
Museum Registrar/Collections Manager
University Art Museum- University at Albany-SUNY
Albany NY
------------------------------