Policies and Statements: Art Policy

We welcome donations of student art to the Library! If you are interested in donating your work, please read our donation policy (below) closely. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

• If you are a student enrolled in a studio art course, use this form to submit a request to exhibit your work at the Library.
• If you are not a Gustavus student but are interested in donating artwork to the Library, either your own or from another artist, please contact us and we will put you in contact with the appropriate people in our Advancement Office.

Policy for the Donation and Exhibition of Student-Created Artwork at the Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library

I. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the donation, acceptance, and exhibition of student-created artwork at the Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library at Gustavus Adolphus College. This policy ensures that donations align with the library's mission, enhances the educational and cultural environment, and maintains the integrity and care of the library's collection. All other potential donations should be directed to the Advancement Office.

II. Scope

This policy applies to all donations of artwork (including but not limited to paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, drawings, and multimedia) and the exhibition of such works in any library-owned or managed space. 

III. Criteria for Donation of Art

1. Relevance to Library’s Mission and Collections
   • Artworks donated to the library should be consistent with the library’s vision to inform a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging by empowering the entire Gustavus community to pursue intellectual freedom. The library reserves the right to refuse donations.
2. Condition and Quality
   • The library reserves the right to assess the physical condition of the piece and may decline donations that require extensive conservation or pose safety hazards. The library may consult with the Art & Art History Department regarding any questions of quality, artistic merit, and condition.
3. Space and Display Considerations
   • The library’s available exhibition spaces, installation capacity, and the potential impact on the environment (such as lighting, temperature, and humidity control) will be considered before accepting any donation. 
4. Copyright
   • The donor must warrant that they have full legal title to the work and the right to donate it to the library and affirm that the donation does not violate any copyright or intellectual property laws.

IV. Donation Process

1. Donor Inquiry
   • Donors wishing to offer artwork must contact the Library Chair to inquire about the donation process and suitability of the proposed artwork.
2. Review and Evaluation
   • Upon receiving a donation offer, the library will review the proposed donation according to the criteria outlined in Section III. The library may seek the advice of experts in the field, including curators, conservators, or academic staff, to assess the artwork’s value, condition, and relevance.
3. Formal Agreement
   • If the donation is accepted, the library and the donor will enter into a formal written agreement specifying the terms of the donation, including any restrictions (e.g., usage rights, exhibition limitations) and the donor’s intent (permanent donation, temporary loan, etc.). The library will retain the right to determine when and how the artwork will be displayed, stored or removed from the collections. The library will determine appropriate signage.

V. Exhibition of Art

1. Exhibition Policy
   • Artworks accepted into the library's collection may be displayed in designated exhibition spaces, reading areas, or public spaces as determined by the library’s staff. Temporary exhibitions may be organized based on thematic relevance, academic focus, or special events.
2. Duration of Exhibitions
   • The library reserves the right to set the duration of the exhibition, which may range from short-term (a few weeks) to long-term (several months or more), based on space availability, academic needs, and the condition of the artwork.
3. Installation and Care
   • In collaboration with the artist(s), the library will help facilitate the installation and care of artworks displayed within the building. Artworks will be maintained and displayed with the utmost care, but the library cannot be held liable for any damage or deterioration that occurs during the exhibition.

VI. Statement on Content

Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library subscribes to the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights as it applies to exhibit spaces, specifically:

“Visual images and performances in the library should not be restricted based on content. Librarians and library staff should be proactive in seeking out a wide variety of representational and abstract artwork and performance art, with limitations or parameters set only with respect to space, installation, fiscal, and technical constraints.” -ALA Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights)

Those who object to the content of any exhibit held at the library can submit their complaint in writing to the Library Chair. 

VII. Deaccessioning of Art

The library reserves the right to deaccession (remove from the collection) artwork in the collection. The library will determine the appropriate method for disposition. 

VIII. Reproduction and Use

The library may permit the reproduction of donated or exhibited artworks for academic, educational, or promotional purposes. Any reproduction will comply with applicable copyright laws, and the library will credit the artist accordingly.

Last Revised: April 3, 2025