University of Nebraska Kearney

The College of Education Building
Art Advisory Committee
Acquisitions Policy 

Mission:
To preserve and protect the visual integrity and the esthetic quality of the architectural design of the College of Education Building.

Objective:
To provide guidelines for the ongoing development of a visual art collection for the College of Education Building.

Policy Statement:

1. The College of Education Art Collection shall contain two and three-dimensional works of art of high quality.
   
   All items shall be adjudged as to whether they demonstrably enhance an existing collection, fill an identifiable instructional purpose, add to the esthetic value of the building, or contribute in a significant way to an academic program or research activity conducted by a recognized research unit.

2. Works can be acquired by purchase, gift, or long term loan.

3. In the case of gifts and bequests, the College of Education retains the right to select those materials which it deems to be of value to its overall purpose and programs, and to refuse or to exercise the right to dispose of items which are outside of its parameters of quality, relevance, authenticity, and overall purpose.
   
   Gifts shall not be accepted if offered subject to conditions such as display in perpetuity or other restrictions of use without the prior approval of the Dean. Items shall not be acquired from other than the legal owner. The College of Education will not furnish evaluations of items to the offerer.

4. All acquisitions are recommended through the Art Advisory Committee, for approval, subject to available funding.

5. Works must be in excellent condition.

6. Valid legal title of proposed permanent acquisitions and donations must be substantiated, and transfer of works to the collection must be documented by a signed legal donation document.

7. All permanent acquisitions will be approved on the basis that adequate provisions exist for cataloguing, conservation, maintenance, storage and exhibition of a professional standard.

8. No person involved in the policy or management of the College of Education Art Collection may compete with the College of Education for works of art proposed for permanent acquisition, or take advantage of privileged information received because of his or her position. Special care is required in considering any offer of an item either for sale or as a tax benefit gift from members of governing bodies, members of staff or their families or close associates.

9. The College of Education shall retain the right to the de-acquisition of any items, however, acquired, which do not meet its overall standards of quality or relevance as described herein. De-acquisition of materials, within legally imposed restrictions, shall be related to the policies here set forth, rather than to temporary needs or to the dictates of taste.
   
   Funds realized from the de-acquisition of materials shall be used to augment College of Education holdings in art, antiquities, and artifacts or otherwise fulfill the intent of the original donation, bequest, or appropriation as determined by the Dean on the recommendation of the College of Education Art Advisory Committee.

10. Exhibitions outside this policy should only be made in exceptional circumstances after proper consideration by the governing body.

11. This policy should be reviewed at least once every five years.

Approved by Coordinating Council
April 25, 2003