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Collection, Management, and Public Display of University Art (Policy 9090)

University Policy 9090

Download a Printable Version of Policy 9090

Effective Date

December 2000

Last Revision Date

September 2019

Responsible Party

Associate Vice President/Chief Planning and Facilities Officer, (208) 426-1249
University Advancement, (208) 426-3276
University Arts Collections Committee (UACC), finearts@boisestate.edu

Scope and Audience

This policy applies to the University Art Collection, in addition to works of art that are not owned by the University but are intended for public display in University-owned or -operated spaces through short or long-term loan agreements. This policy does not apply to University art gallery exhibitions or displays intended mainly for informational or memorial purposes.

Additional Authority

University Policy 11010 (Gift Solicitation and Management)

1. Policy Purpose

To recommend and manage standards for the public display, storage, conservation, acquisition, accession, deaccession, and loan of the University Art Collection and other works selected for public display in University-owned or -operated spaces.

2. Policy Statement

Boise State University encourages the acquisition and public display of quality artwork in University-owned or -operated spaces for enjoyment and appreciation by students, faculty, staff, and the general public to further the cultural mission of the institution.

This policy outlines how the University Art Collection and loans of University art donations and collections are managed. Gifts of art, like all gifts, are welcomed. The Boise State University Foundation processes all gifts on the University’s behalf. However, because the proper maintenance of art can be challenging, it is important that art collections are closely managed both before they are accepted as gifts and afterwards.

3. Definitions

3.1 Long-term Art Loan

Loaned artwork intended for display in University-owned or -operated spaces for the duration of more than one calendar year. Artwork may be owned by an external party to the University.

3.2 Permanently Displayed Art

University Art Collection artwork that is displayed in University-owned or -operated spaces without limitations on duration of display.

3.3 Public Art

Permanent or long-term artworks in public spaces on campus, including outdoor campus spaces and interior public spaces, including but not limited to lobbies, social spaces, hallways, classrooms, etc. Public Art may be large-scale monuments or small-scale and intimate. Public Art may also include memorial tributes. Public Art does not include temporary displays intended mainly for educational or informational purposes.

3.4 Publicly Displayed Art

The display of artwork in public University-owned or -operated spaces on campus, including all outdoor campus spaces and interior public spaces such as lobbies, social spaces, etc.

3.5 University Art Collection

Artwork owned and cataloged by the University. Artwork may be on a short-term or long-term rotational display, may be stored, or may be placed on permanent public display to meet the University’s cultural mission and strategic goals in University-owned or -operated spaces. Sections of the University Art Collection may be administratively managed by departmental representatives with knowledge of best practices in conservation and storage of collection items.

4. Management of Public Art on Campus

a. The University Art Collections Committee (UACC) provides administrative oversight of University-owned Public Art collections to ensure proper cataloging, care, display and storage. The UACC also provides recommendations related to acceptance, acquisition, accession, and deaccession of University-owned Public Art to the University President, or designee.

b. Public Art can be acquired through a variety of methods. It should be recognized that advocacy and selection of Public Art can be controversial and at times, technically difficult. Decisions related to Public Art on campus must consider such issues as: artistic quality, appropriateness, site context, public sensibility, durability, maintainability, safety, and cost.

5. University Art Collections Committee (UACC)

5.1 UACC Responsibilities

a. Review specific proposals for Public Art or gifts of art with the purpose of recommending to the University President approval, acceptance, suggestions for modification, or rejection.

b. Provide leadership in furthering the presence of Public Art on campus and targeting specific citing opportunities, working in cooperation with the Associate Vice President/Chief Planning and Facilities Officer, or designee.

c. Maintain the database for University-owned art collections and provide expertise and recommendations for public display in conjunction with the Associate Vice President/Chief Planning and Facilities Officer, or designee.

d. Establish procedures and manage the process for loaning University-owned art to University departments for display within campus buildings and offices.

5.2 Membership

The UACC is comprised of the following:

  • Chair of the Department of Art, Design, and Visual Studies (or designee who will serve as chair)
  • University Art Curator and Collections Manager
  • Dean of Arts & Sciences (or designee)
  • Director of School of the Arts (or designee)
  • Associate Vice President/Chief Planning and Facilities Officer (or designee)
  • Director of Risk Management
  • Vice President for University Advancement (or designee)
  • Current Student (Art major, appointed annually by ASBSU)
  • Head of Special Collections and Archives, Albertsons Library
  • City of Boise, Director of Arts and History (or designee)

6. Procedural Guidelines

6.1 Acquisition and Accession Additions

a. Acquisition and Accession Additions to the University-owned art collection may come through gifts, purchases, or commissions. The UACC makes recommendations to the University President whether to accept gifts of art, to purchase art, or commission art for the University-owned art collections.

b. When considering gifts of art, the UACC shall:

  • Work with the Associate Vice President/Chief Planning and Facilities Officer, or designee, to determine if an appropriate site is available
  • Define the costs for installation, maintenance, and repair over the expected life of the art.
  • Ensure the donor understands that all future decisions regarding the use and continued ownership of the gifted art will be under the sole discretion of the University.
  • Once reviewed and accepted by the University President, or designee, terms and conditions for acceptance will be delineated in a gift agreement between the donor and the University.
  • Accepted works of art will be acknowledged as gifts in accordance with procedures established by the University and the Boise State University Foundation.

6.2 Deaccession

a. Art may be removed or deaccessioned from the University-owned art collection at the recommendation of the UACC.

b. The process to dispose or deaccess art is the same process used to dispose of all other University property. However, if art to be deaccessed was donated to Boise State, IRS guidelines, including donor notification if necessary, must be followed.

c. Boise State considers all artwork part of a collection; thus, any proceeds from deaccession must be used to acquire other items for the collection.

7. Limitations

No University department or office may commission works of art without approval of the UAAC. All contracts for art commission must be approved through the Office of the General Counsel and the Associate Vice President/Chief Planning and Facilities Officer.

Revision History

December 2000; April 2013; September 2016; September 2019

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