Joint statement on Unethical Sales from collections

Arts Council has released a joint-statement with nine other institutions in the museum sector which draws on the Museums Association Code of Ethics and reiterates the principles previously made by the signatories in 2015. It gives clear guidance on protecting local and national treasures so they can continue to be enjoyed for years to come.

It outlines the difference between disposal for financial gain, which in almost every case is unethical, and curatorial disposal which is ethical and part of good collection management. An example of curatorial disposal would be a museum gifting a painting that is outside its own remit, to a public art gallery that specialises in that artwork’s style or era.

Failure to follow the statement’s principles would damage everyone’s enjoyment and trust of museums. It is also clear on the potential consequences for those who chose to ignore the guidance which include a potential five-year exclusion from Accreditation by the Accreditation Committee and loss of membership of the Museums Association.

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