This sounds a bit strange to me as well. I haven't heard of a development
person (who is supposed to be there to support the museum and its operations) of
refusing to raise funds unless exhibition guarantees are handed out.

I know that often "perks" are offered in exchange for major donations to
institutions but those are usually discussed and worked out among the senior staff
on a case-by-case basis.

It also depends on the meaning of the word "exhibition". At an institution
that I used to work for they had a "New Accessions" case set up near the
entrance and by the gift shop. The intent was to temporarily highlight some of the
more prominent donations to the collection and to recognize the donors. Items
stayed in this case for about a month. But there was no absolute guarantee that
any object would make it into this case - those decisions were worked out by
the Chief curator and other curators on staff.

The best of the best objects or collections that were donated each year were
reflected in the institution's annual report and in the museum journal.
Obviously if a super major donation and funding came in that the curators had
aggressively pursued then a new gallery might be named for the donors.

I always think it is best to limit the promises made for donations, as they
can sometimes have a significant impact on how you manage exhibitions,
conservation, and educational programming.

What does your collections management policy say about donations?

I always think that it is far more appreciated by the donor if some special
recognition comes as a surprise after the gift is made rather than it being the
subject of a negotiation.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Artifacts
2930 South Birch Street
Denver, CO 80222
303-300-5257
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