Policy overview
1 Purpose
This policy provides strategic direction for the ongoing building of the University Art Collection (“the Collection”).
2 Scope
This Policy applies to the University of Southern Queensland Art Collection.
3 Policy Statement
The Collection has been developed as a permanent collection of contemporary Australian artworks, supplemented by historical artworks, to contribute to the educational enterprise of the University, the cultural experience of its members and those of the wider community. This policy outlines principles related to collection aims, scope, guidelines and risk management.
The collection contains a growing body of permanent and loaned items comprising works on paper, painting, sculpture, photography, drawing textiles, mixed media and ceramics. The collection reflects the community-based origins and the topical issues which helped shape the University.
The Collection is shaped and developed by a combination of policy and industry standard museological standards. The standing of the Collection will be enhanced through strategic linkages with the cultural sector both in Queensland and Australia.
4 Principles
4.1 Collection Aims
In acquiring items for the Collection, the University will bear in mind the different functions that the Collection serves:
- an educative function: to acquaint students with a range of works of art, in such a way that they understand why such works are as they are, and how they relate to the sorts of debates undertaken in their formal university work;
- a socio-cultural function: to integrate works of art into the social and cultural life of the University;
- an aesthetic function: to engage the members of the University and its local communities in aesthetic experience.
4.2 Collection Scope
Collecting will be focused on the following areas:
- Contemporary Australian art (Late 20th century art, 1960s to the present), with a special focus on 2D works such as; painting, printmaking photography and drawing. Sculptural and textile works will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Contemporary Australian First Nations art, with a special focus on works on paper, photography and painting. Sculptural and textile works will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Works of art executed by University Students, Alumni and Academic staff, particularly gifts or donations offered by Students, Alumni and Staff which significantly benefit and strengthen the Collection. Works by alumni of precursor institutions to the University, such as the Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Historical works of art which supplement collection strengths and teaching outcomes will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Works of art by International Artists offered for acquisition by gift/donation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The University will assess any ethical implications prior to accepting sponsorship or donations. Any Reportable Gift and/ or Benefit must be declared in accordance with the Gifts and Benefits Procedure.
The University observes rigorous international standards with regard to deaccessioning and the disposal of works of art, such as those outlined in National Standards for Australian Museum and Galleries.
4.3 Deaccessioning
The disestablishment of the Art Collection, including the deaccessioning and disposal of the entire collection's works, may not proceed without Council approval.
The deaccession and disposal of an object in the Art Collection occurs only in accordance with the policies and procedures established for the relevant collection.
The University periodically deaccessions works from the Art Collection to which it has clear legal title, including gifts and bequests, in order to refine and enhance the collection. The Curator (Arts and Exhibitions) makes a recommendation for the deaccessioning and disposal method, based on the following criteria:
- duplication
- inferior quality
- insufficient documentation to support authenticity
- irrelevance to the Collection
- irreparable damage
- repatriation of cultural material to an Indigenous community with proof of a valid claim
- any special conditions which pertained to the work's acquisition
- theft or loss.
Once an artwork has been approved for deaccessioning it is disposed of by gift, sale or exchange to another public museum or collection. If this is not possible, then one of the following processes is pursued:
- private sale, sale through a reputable, established dealer or sale by public auction
- upgrading by exchange for a comparable artwork by the same artist; or
- destruction (where unsafe or deteriorated beyond repair).
Appropriate documentation including photographs and catalogue details of the artwork are maintained as an official record of the deaccessioning and disposal of an artwork from the Art Collection.
Where possible, funds obtained from the sale of de-accessioned artworks will be applied to the purchase of other works for the University Art Collection.
4.4 Risk Management
The University Curator (Arts and Exhibitions) should:
- Develop and maintain a Risk Management Plan, approved by the Director (Development) to include considerations of reputational risk, University space constraints and due diligence in proposed philanthropy/ donations, sponsorships and loans;
- ensure sufficient Insurance cover is in place at all times, in accordance with the Assets Procedure;
- purchase of all necessary materials and equipment, approved by the Director (Development)
- notify and assist Finance and Business Solutions with additions, disposals and valuations of items in the Collection for reporting in the University's Asset Register; and
- facilitate specialist training for relevant staff
5 References
Nil.
6 Schedules
This policy must be read in conjunction with its subordinate schedules as provided in the table below.
7 Policy Information
| Accountable Officer | Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) |
| Responsible Officer | Director (Development) |
| Policy Type | Executive Policy |
| Policy Suite | |
| Subordinate Schedules | |
| Approved Date | 29/8/2022 |
| Effective Date | 29/8/2022 |
| Review Date | 29/8/2027 |
| Relevant Legislation | |
| Policy Exceptions | |
| Related Policies | |
| Related Procedures | Commercialisation of Intellectual Property Procedure Historical Archives Collection Procedure |
| Related forms, publications and websites | |
| Definitions | Terms defined in the Definitions Dictionary |
| A resource (tangible or intangible) controlled by the University as a result of past events and from which future economic benefits are expected to flow. Assets may be donated to the University, acquired for consideration or subject to financing arrangements....moreA resource (tangible or intangible) controlled by the University as a result of past events and from which future economic benefits are expected to flow. Assets may be donated to the University, acquired for consideration or subject to financing arrangements. A person employed by the University and whose conditions of employment are covered by the Enterprise Agreement and includes persons employed on a continuing, fixed term or casual basis. Employees also include senior Employees whose conditions of employment are covered by a written agreement or contract with the University....moreA person employed by the University and whose conditions of employment are covered by the Enterprise Agreement and includes persons employed on a continuing, fixed term or casual basis. Employees also include senior Employees whose conditions of employment are covered by a written agreement or contract with the University. A Gift and/or Benefit is: the transfer of property or other benefit without recompense or for a consideration substantially less than full consideration; or a loan of property made on a permanent, or an indefinite, basis; anything of value offered in the course of employment other than normal employment entitlements that is received or given by a University Member when they are acting in t...moreA Gift and/or Benefit is: the transfer of property or other benefit without recompense or for a consideration substantially less than full consideration; or a loan of property made on a permanent, or an indefinite, basis; anything of value offered in the course of employment other than normal employment entitlements that is received or given by a University Member when they are acting in their official capacity. Gifts and/or benefits include tangible items of lasting value and intangible items of no lasting value (including hospitality). The equitable transfer of the Risk of a loss from one entity to another in exchange for payment. It is a form of Risk Management primarily used to hedge against the Risk of a contingent, uncertain loss. An Insurer, or Insurance carrier, is a company selling the Insurance. The insured, or policyholder, is the person or entity buying the Insurance policy for a premium. The insured receiv...moreThe equitable transfer of the Risk of a loss from one entity to another in exchange for payment. It is a form of Risk Management primarily used to hedge against the Risk of a contingent, uncertain loss. An Insurer, or Insurance carrier, is a company selling the Insurance. The insured, or policyholder, is the person or entity buying the Insurance policy for a premium. The insured receives a contract (called the Insurance policy), which details the conditions and circumstances under which the insured will be financially compensated. The entire process by which all classes of materials, facilities and services are obtained by the University. This can include the functions of planning, design, establishing standards, evaluating risk, writing specifications, selecting Suppliers, developing contracts and method of payment and subsequent disposal....moreThe entire process by which all classes of materials, facilities and services are obtained by the University. This can include the functions of planning, design, establishing standards, evaluating risk, writing specifications, selecting Suppliers, developing contracts and method of payment and subsequent disposal. The method for acquiring the Goods and/or Services required. This can include credit cards, purchase orders and/or leasing arrangements....moreThe method for acquiring the Goods and/or Services required. This can include credit cards, purchase orders and/or leasing arrangements. Reportable Gift and/or Benefit Any Gift and/or Benefit that exceeds $150 (including GST) in retail Value or series of such Gifts or Benefits from a single Donor made to a single recipient within a Reporting Period where the total Value is greater than $150 (including GST)....moreAny Gift and/or Benefit that exceeds $150 (including GST) in retail Value or series of such Gifts or Benefits from a single Donor made to a single recipient within a Reporting Period where the total Value is greater than $150 (including GST). The term 'University' or 'UniSQ' means the University of Southern Queensland....moreThe term 'University' or 'UniSQ' means the University of Southern Queensland. | |
| Definitions that relate to this policy only | |
| Art Collection (“the Collection”) Permanent and loaned artworks comprising works on paper, painting, sculpture, photography, drawing textiles, mixed media and ceramics under the care of the University. International Artist Any artist who is not an Australian Citizen. Someone born abroad and works in Australia is considered an international artist “Based in Australia”. | |
| Keywords | |
| Record No | 21/326PL |