Donating art to a museum

Every museum has it's own policy regarding donations. However, they usually review possible donations on an ongoing basis. If the work you would like to donate seems appropriate for the museum's collection, contact the chief curator of the correct curatorial department. The museum will need to see high quality documentation of the artwork, the artist's resume and additional materials such as reviews and catalogues. When meeting with curators, tell them why you would like to donate to their collection and specify any special requests for the work.

When a museum accepts donated art, the work becomes part of the museum's "permanent collection." As the permanent collection is a continuously changing body of work, the donated work may only stay in the collection for as long as the museum curators deem it appropriate for the collection as a whole.

Museums tend to favor unrestricted donations, allowing curators to have complete control over the art. If you have restrictions, such as that the art never be sold, that it be shown within a certain time period or that it should be reproduced in catalogues in a certain way, specify them to the curator. The more important the art, the better the chances that restrictions will be honored. Donating art to a museum raises the profile of the artist and value of the artwork. Art dealers often give priority to collectors who promise to donate work to museum collections.

Make sure you understand the tax implications when you make a donation. A tax accountant or preparer can explain tax benefits to you and assist in filing appropriate tax forms.

Networking in the Art World

The art world is a very social environment that includes a diverse group of individuals who come together because they love art. Relationships between artists, curators, collectors and writers are built on professional interests but often move into the social realm. Art openings, collector groups and studio visits are important networking opportunities for collectors to build relationships and share information with gallerists, artists and other collectors.

Museum Groups
In addition to general memberships, most museums have affiliate groups that encourage members to be active participants at the museum and support the museum's programs. These programs help members gain a deeper appreciation of a specific area in the museum and foster relationships with curators and other museum members with similar interests. Programs include lectures, behind-the-scenes tours, invitations to museum openings, trips to public and private collections, collecting seminars, presentations by artists, curators or writers and other educational and social functions. There are usually annual dues associated with these special interest groups that range from $100 to $5,000. Sometimes membership is by invitation only. Members of these groups often help shape the museum through contributions to curatorial departments and programs.

Openings
Gallery openings are generally free, open to the public and offer collectors a great opportunity to be among the first viewers of an art exhibition. Here you can meet featured artists, friends of the gallery and other art enthusiasts in a casual and social environment.

Studio visits
Studio visits are an important way to meet and talk with artists in their own surroundings. Gallerists and art consultants can arrange studio visits for interested collectors. Museums, non-profits and other community art organizations also arrange open studio tours for groups of people to visit several studios during one tour. Lastly, artist residency programs often invite the public to visit the artist studios.