Art Acquisition

Art Advisory Committee

In order to address the appropriate acquisition, selection and installation of art work donated to the library, an Art Advisory Committee will be formed to review and recommend art work for library Board consideration. Temporary displays, installations or exhibits of art are not subject to Art Advisory committee review. 

Art Advisory Committee Membership

The Art Advisory Committee will be appointed by the library’s Board of Trustees. The committee shall be composed of a combination of persons with a background in art. Factors to consider in appointing members to the committee include a knowledge of art, knowledge of the local art community, experience as an artist, experience working as an art professional and an understanding of the public library. The library Director will be a permanent member of the committee. The committee will meet on an as needed basis and serve in an advisory capacity only. The continued existence, and the addition, or removal of members of the committee is at the sole discretion of the library’s Board of Trustees. 

Functions of the Art Advisory Committee

  1. Establish a procedure for the review of proposed gifts of art work to be added to the library’s collection. 
  2. Review proposed donations of art offered as gifts to the library. 
  3. Present all pertinent information regarding proposed gifts and donations to the library Board for final action. 
  4. Recommend appropriate display methods, care and maintenance of art work as needed. 
  5. By request of the Board, serve as a liaison between potential donors, the Board and the library Director; represent the library in negotiations with artists, donors or other professionals as needed; seek advice on the monetary or artistic value of art work under consideration. 

Preferences for Library Collection

In evaluating which works of art to recommend for library Board consideration, the Art Advisory Committee will give preference to art which meets the following criteria: 

  1. Works of art by Kent, Ohio artists, art work depicting Kent, Ohio people and places, or works created by Kent State University students, alumni or faculty. 
  2. Works of art by other local (Portage County, Northeast Ohio) artists. 
  3. Works of art which require little or no maintenance. 
  4. Works of art which are easy and safe to display and store. 

Acquisition Guidelines

When considering a work of art the Kent Free Library Board has the right to: 

  1. Refuse any work of art offered for sale or as a gift. 
  2. Exhibit any donated art work in a manner that is consistent with the library’s procedures, needs, and available space. Acceptance of an object does not imply that it will be on permanent public display. 
  3. Move and relocate art for any reason it deems necessary. 
  4. De-access, dispose and/or sell any donated piece of art without notifying the donor or artist. 
  5. All objects acquired by Kent Free Library in accordance with this policy will become the sole property of the Kent Free Library without conditions or restrictions. 

Approved by the Board of Trustees: June 21, 2012