Hi Allison,

Another interesting question.

My policy barely addresses this in passing. Essentially ephemeral works are
never collected/accessioned unless they can be expected to have(or be
given) a lifespan similar to other works, so intentional degradation is a
collection no-no for me. We have always just said no to such objects.

If you want to collect such works, you might consider treating the
object(s) as a type of loan, and specify in the paperwork that the piece is
intended to degrade. Assuming the artist is living, I would seek their
advice on when and how to dispose of the object after its expiration date.
I am wondering about insurance for such objects, or if they should remain
uninsured.

Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
Wichita State University
(316)978-5850


                                                                           
             "Allison M.                                                   
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I am a graduate student in Arts Administration writing a paper for a
Collections Management Class. I am writing about whether or not a museum
should accession an artwork by an artist whose work is meant to deteriorate
over a short period of time, and what the museum should do with the artwork
after it deteriorates.

Do any of you work in museums with a Collections Policy that addresses this
issue? What does the policy say? Have any of you dealt with this in your
museum, and if so, what did you decide? Even if you have not dealt with
this, do you have a professional opinion on the subject?

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