What Do Museums Have To Offer Artists?

Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Rockland, Maine

Museums…

• Make art accessible to the public
• Provide free admission on a regular day or night 
• Make free passes available through public libraries
• Offer perks through membership
• Bring traveling exhibitions to you
• Offer docent tours, artist talks, panel discussions, films and performances
• Educate students and teachers through field trips 
• Partner with schools to provide hands-on, in-classroom programming
• Cultivate an appreciation of art, art history, context, culture and heritage
• Are a tourist destination and benefit the local economy
• Provide online resources

Do art museums buy art?

Most museums have acquired a permanent collection: some of which they keep on display, some of which they rotate and some of which is kept in storage. Some museums purchase important works of art, some are gifted and some are donated.  

Can an artist donate a work of art to a museum?

Yes and no. An artist can offer to donate a work of art to a museum. If the artist is well known and the work is valuable, it’s more likely that the donation will be accepted. If the artist is unknown and trying to bolster their resume by being in a prestigious collection, the museum will likely decline the work. Remember that the museum must care for, store and insure their collection, whether it’s on view or not, so unsolicited donations can be a burden to a museum.  

Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland, Maine

Does an artist get paid to exhibit in a museum?

No. Museums do not pay artists to exhibit their work, but they will insure the artwork while it’s in their possession and may pay for the shipping. One exception is when an artist is invited to create a site specific art installation, where they may receive funding to create the project.  

Why would an artist exhibit in a museum if they don’t get paid?  

Art museum exhibits reach a broad public audience, in ways that commercial galleries do not, through visitation, publicity, reviews, events and catalogues. Viewers trust the professional vetting of respected curators and directors in established institutions who have degrees in art history, contemporary art, and museum studies. Though the artist may not sell work in the museum exhibit, they may sell at their commercial gallery nearby or from their own studio. With a museum exhibits’ exposure and promotion, connections with trustees, patrons, collectors and dealers often lead to other opportunities.    

How do I get my work into an art museum?  

First, you and your work need to be ready to approach a museum. If you approach prematurely, before the work is developed, you may squander your one opportunity. If you are a serious artist, with a strong body of work and a solid exhibiting record and see that your work would be of interest to a particular curator (ideally one whom you’ve already met) then an email of inquiry expressing interest, accompanied with support materials and images would be appropriate.

Another approach is to submit to a biennial or competitive exhibition. Follow the submission instructions to a T, providing them with exactly what they ask for, no more, no less.  

Portland Museum of Art, Portland, Maine

What is the role of the curator? 

An art curator is a knowledgable researcher, who has studied art and loves it as much as artists do. Curators are responsible for envisioning, orchestrating and managing exhibitions, evaluating and building collections, cataloging art, collectibles and historical items. 

Some curators are outstanding at putting together compelling exhibitions that go beyond the visual, dealing with controversial topics or culturally relevant issues. Curators roles are transparent, subject to audience and press scrutiny. They want museum visitors to engage with their exhibits, just like artists want an audience to appreciate their work.     

A curator may be willing to visit your studio if they’re interested in your work, whether they have an exhibit in mind for you or not. Before you extend an invitation, be sure you and your work are ready and know what you want out of the visit. 

Above all else… 

For artists, museums can be a great source of inspiration, insight and education, offering a sanctuary for reflection and stimulation. As the stewards and keepers of carefully curated collections of fine art and craft, museums ensure that art is accessible to us all.