Deaccessioning

Definition

Deaccessioning is the process of formally removing an artwork or object from a museum or collection, often through sale, transfer, or destruction. This practice is significant in the context of managing collections and aligns with the principles of accountability and stewardship in public museums. It raises ethical considerations about the fate of cultural property and can impact a museum's reputation and relationship with its community.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Deaccessioning is often a controversial decision, as it can be perceived as a museum prioritizing financial gain over cultural preservation.
2. Public museums may deaccession items to refine their collections, ensuring that only works that align with their mission and goals are retained.
3. Ethical guidelines from organizations like the American Alliance of Museums emphasize that deaccessioned items should not be sold for profit but rather used to benefit the museum’s mission.
4. The process usually requires documentation and transparency, ensuring that stakeholders are informed about the reasons behind deaccessioning decisions.
5. In some cases, deaccessioning can help museums raise funds for conservation efforts, educational programs, or new acquisitions that better serve their audience.

Review Questions

• What are the main reasons museums might choose to engage in deaccessioning, and how does this reflect their mission?
  • Museums may choose to engage in deaccessioning for several reasons, including refining their collections to align more closely with their mission and improving the overall quality of their holdings. By removing items that do not fit their strategic goals, museums can focus on preserving and exhibiting works that truly reflect their identity and purpose. This process also allows them to allocate resources more effectively, ensuring they can provide the best experience for their visitors.
• Discuss the ethical implications surrounding the practice of deaccessioning in public museums.
  • The ethical implications of deaccessioning revolve around concerns of cultural preservation versus financial necessity. Critics argue that selling artworks for profit undermines the museum's role as a steward of cultural heritage. Ethical guidelines stress that any proceeds from deaccessioned items should be reinvested into the museum's mission, not used for unrelated purposes. Transparency in this process is crucial to maintain public trust and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders.
• Evaluate how deaccessioning can affect a museum's relationship with its community and stakeholders.
  • Deaccessioning can significantly impact a museum's relationship with its community and stakeholders, particularly if not handled transparently or ethically. If community members perceive deaccessioning as a move driven solely by profit motives, it may lead to diminished trust and support for the institution. Conversely, when communicated effectively and aligned with community values, deaccessioning can strengthen relationships by showing a commitment to curating relevant collections that serve educational and cultural needs. Ultimately, the manner in which deaccessioning is conducted can either bolster or erode community engagement.

Related terms

Acquisition: The process by which a museum or gallery adds new artworks or objects to its collection, often through purchase, donation, or bequest.

Provenance: The history of ownership of a particular artwork or object, which is crucial for establishing authenticity and legal title.

Curation:

The act of organizing and managing a collection or exhibition, involving the selection and interpretation of artworks to convey specific themes or narratives.