Acquisitions Riders:
Our initial proposal for the Sustainable Institution focused on developing a set of discussion points and optional riders that could be added to acquisitions contracts. These would outline the outcomes of discussions on sustainable practices for the care of artworks and objects in a collection. Extensive research and consultation with artists, curators, registrars, conservators, and insurance agents led to the development of version 1 of Objects as Temporary Entities: Acquisitions Riders and Discussion Points. The document is intended to spark and guide discussions on the care of artworks, recognizing them as time-based entities that will eventually disintegrate.
Objects as Temporary Entities: Acquisitions Riders and Discussion Points can be found by clicking on this link.
Acquisitions Addendum:
Research for the riders quickly showed that many artists were looking for more information on what would happen to their materials over the long term. Led by conservator Kim Kraczon, the Acquisitions Addendum uses clear language to explain what happens to materials over time, with sections dedicated to:
- Initiating a conversation with collectors/collecting institutions
- The expectations of traditional approaches to conservation
- Artist’s intent and how it can impact the care of artworks
- Materials (and how they degrade or perform over time)
- Sustainable storage and display options
- Total loss – when is an artwork no longer an artwork?
- Case studies of alternative approaches to contracts, ownership, and lifespan of artworks
The Acquisitions Addendum is meant to be used in tandem with the Acquisitions Riders and Discussion Points.
The Acquisitions Addendum can be found by clicking on this link.
Image: Flowchart from the Acquisitions Addendum, showing an overview of project research, design by Kelly Jazvac, 2024.