Open Forum

I am reaching out to you in search for some advice.

A museum donor is in need of downsizing and he has offered us to sell his art, which is not valuable enough for us to acquire, and keep the proceeds from the sale.

I have a few questions:

1- Does this pose any problem from an ethical point of view if we are a non-profit museum? 

2- If you have done this in the past, have you insured the artwork while it was being sold?

3 - How to solve the conflict of interest? The Museum is interested in keeping the donor happy but at the same time is worried about its standing (we have never sold anything of this nature).

Thank you,

Silvia Perea

Art, Design & Architecture Museum

University of California Santa Barbara

Dear Silvia - we have done this on a number of occasions with both living artists and as a result of bequests from artists and donors.  If the donor of the objects has her/himself declared that they wish to support the museum in this way, there is no ethical issue.  It is essential, however, to make it clear to the public that these objects are not de-accessioned collections.  This announcement will also give the donor an opportunity for recognition.

I would advise to be sure that there is enough value in the works to be donated for sale to merit staff time, etc. to inventory, catalogue, and manage the process.  It's always good to have a TRUSTED auction house to help you through the process as well.  It is critical that the museum use a licensed auctioneer.  They will also advise on insurance.

It should also be pointed out to the donor that the museum cannot establish a value of the gift.  That will "happen" by default as a natural outcome of the auction results.  Good luck