Arts Council England is committed to the principle that museum collections are held in public trust – that means for the good and enjoyment of everyone both now and in the future. Whether that’s an exhibit on display for visitors to wonder at or items used by researchers to help unlock stories about the world around us.
Managing and reviewing collections is part of what every museum team should do and disposal is part of a responsible approach to that work. But we’re clear that selling items from collections should not be done for short term financial gain – which could lead to the public losing access to important parts of our shared cultural heritage.
That’s why Arts Council England has joined with nine other arts, museums and heritage bodies to set out in a new statement the ethical practice that museums should follow when they are considering disposing of collections they hold. You can read the statement in full here.
The statement draws on the Museums Association Code of Ethics and reiterates the principles previously made by the signatories in 2015. It gives clear guidance on protecting local and national treasures so they can continue to be enjoyed for years to come. It outlines the difference between disposal for financial gain, which in almost every case is unethical, and curatorial disposal which is ethical and part of good collection management. An example of curatorial disposal would be a museum gifting a painting that is outside its own remit, to a public art gallery that specialises in that artwork’s style or era.
Failure to follow the statement’s principles would damage everyone’s enjoyment and trust of museums. It is also clear on the potential consequences for those who chose to ignore the guidance which include a potential five-year exclusion from Accreditation by the Accreditation Committee and loss of membership of the Museums Association.
Emmie Kell, Director of Museums and Cultural Property at Arts Council England, commented: “Museums must take the long view – preserving access to the past for current and future generations. The operating context for museums is challenging, but sale from collections in the aim of financial sustainability is not the answer. Reviewing and focusing collections is an important part of responsible collections management, but this should prioritise cultural value - not financial value. If collections start being treated as a financial reserve, then the model and purpose of museums is undermined.”
David Gelsthorpe, Chair of Accreditation Panel at Arts Council England, added: “Our Museums and Galleries in the UK have some of the highest ethical standards in the world and make sure their collections are cared for and cherished for everyone. There is serious concern over the unethical sale of collections for financial benefit. The new guidance on the consequences of selling collections is more important than ever.”
For more information, please visit the collections webpage or contact [email protected].