I. Scope:
This policy applies to all Artwork that is part of or under consideration to become part of the University Art Collection. All faculty and staff within all academic, administrative and operational departments, offices and units are required to comply with this policy with regard to the University Art Collection.
II. Policy Statement:
The University Art Collection is a valuable resource for research and scholarship, exhibition, cultural, aesthetic, and educational purposes for the university and surrounding region.
Acquisitions to the University Art Collection shall be made to strengthen the mission and holdings of the collection for the purposes of research, teaching, curricular development, and exhibitions. Artwork acquired shall be of historical and/or aesthetic significance and merit and may be added to the Collection through gift, bequest, purchase, loan, or exchange following the University Art Collection Procedures. Whenever possible, Artwork shall be accepted unencumbered, with minimal or no restrictions on their use and with provenance as available. The university shall make every attempt to confirm that Artwork under consideration for acquisition has not been acquired illegally or through illicit trade and that acquiring it is not in violation of existing art, cultural heritage, or other applicable laws.
No Artwork may be acquired by the university without the approval of the Curator of Collections and the Art Collection Advisory Committee. If the Artwork is being donated to the university the acquisition will then also be reviewed by University Advancement and Alumni Relations and approved by the Gift Acceptance Advisory Committee if the donation meets the criteria for review by that committee in University Policy 1123.
Artwork in the University Art Collection shall be displayed and exhibited as directed by the Curator of Collections to further the educational mission of the university and enhance the cultural life and aesthetics of the university and surrounding region. Loans of Artwork (internal or external) shall be conducted in accordance with the University Art Collection Procedures. No such loan shall be permitted without a loan contract and condition report.
Deaccession of Artwork in the University Art Collection shall be considered only to bolster the quality of the Collection and advance its mission and must be consistent with the requirements for the sale of works of art and historical treasures in University Policy 2109.
III. Definitions:
Acquisition: The addition of Artwork to the University Art Collection through an institution, museum, donor, artist, gallery, dealer, or auction, or by other means.
Artwork: Original creative work such as paintings, drawings, sculptures, decorative arts, design objects, photography, digital media, conceptual art, or cultural and scientific artifacts.
Deaccession: To permanently remove an Artwork from the University Art Collection through sale, transfer, exchange, or disposal.
University Art Collection or Collection: Artwork that has been acquired by, or is on loan to, George Mason for the purpose of research, education, and/or exhibition.
IV. Responsibilities:
A. Curator of Collection
The Curator oversees the maintenance, care, and use of the University Art Collection, including maintaining an inventory of all Artwork in the University Art Collection and their location. Any request to take any action pertaining to the University Art Collection, or to any individual Artwork in the Collection, shall be directed to the Curator for approval. The Curator is responsible for all decisions regarding the display, use, or loaning of all Artwork in the University Art Collection.
B. Art Collection Advisory Committee
The Art Collection Advisory Committee is comprised of the Curator and one or more member(s) from each of the following units, selected by the Curator: School of Art, History and Art History Department, Regional Campuses, Facilities, Libraries, and Advancement and Alumni Relations who have distinct knowledge of issues relating to the University Art Collection. The committee will also include at least one at-large member, to be chosen by the Curator. The Curator will serve as the committee Chairperson. Upon referral by the Curator, the committee will review proposals and make recommendations to the Curator regarding Acquisition and Deaccession of Artwork, commissions, and other issues concerning the University Art Collection.
C. Gift Acceptance Committee
The Gift Acceptance Committee reviews and approves all donations of Artwork that meet the criteria for review by the committee in University Policy 1123.
D. University Advancement and Alumni Relations
University Advancement and Alumni Relations reviews the Acquisition of Artwork for the University Art Collection through donor gifts and supports and coordinates with the Curator of Collections regarding such Acquisitions.
V. Compliance
All employees shall follow the applicable procedures in the University Art Collection Procedures when requesting that the university acquire, loan, display, use, or deaccession Artwork in or under consideration for addition to the University Art Collection. No employee shall take any action with regard to Artwork in or under consideration for addition to the University Art Collection, without the approval of the Curator of Collections.
VI. Timetable for Review:
This policy, and any related procedures, shall be reviewed triennially.
VII. Amendments:
Amendments will be approved by the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and the Provost and Executive Vice President.
VIII. Dates:
This policy became effective March 13, 2013.
Revision Approved: July 21, 2026