Downsizing an art collection is an important part of managing your assets. Reasons to downsize your art collection may include fine-tuning a focus of a specific style, time period, or artist. You may be downsizing because you learned your family members have no interest in certain pieces as you planned your estate. (Learn more about planning your art estate here.) There are a number of reasons that could bring you to donate your artwork.
The first step to downsizing a collection is tracking down and compiling the provenance documents, artist name, materials used, recent appraisal, and dimensions. All of this is exportable through your Artwork Archive account. These documents will also be important when filing your taxes in April.
Once you are ready to donate, you have a lot of research to do. Here are a few things to consider:
1. Note That Museums Do Not Accept All Gifts
Donating art is a two-sided decision. Museums generally have a committee that reviews gifts and decides whether they are a positive addition to their current collection. Even if your gift is accepted, it is possible that it will be brought to storage and not displayed. You might only be comfortable donating the art on the condition that it is on display. You may also have specific requirements for the display such as including your name or seeing your piece in a certain wing. It is necessary that you specify this in the donation agreement.
If you are concerned about donation requirements, you can work with an art advisor on prospective museums that would be a good fit to house your collection.
2. Learn Which Museums Only Accept Unconditional Gifts
An unconditional gift means there are no stipulations the museum has to abide by. As discussed above, a condition would be something like displaying the artwork in a specific wing. You must also prepare for the fact that an unconditional gift could result in a sale on the museum’s behalf. When you agree to donate the piece as an unconditional gift, you are giving up all rights to the artwork. The Museum of Modern Art in New York, for example, only accepts unconditional gifts.
This is also called “unrestricted status.” Museums generally prefer that donations come in with zero requirements. This means, your piece can be displayed wherever the museum chooses, stored wherever and whenever, or sold at any time.
3. Understand that You Are No Longer the Owner
When donating your art you may feel like the museum is your partner. After thoroughly researching your options and agreeing to relinquish a treasured item, it’s natural to feel this way. However, as a donor it is important to understand the relationship that the museum is willing to participate in. Unfortunately, it is possible that the museum is not willing to support any relationship. The museum may take the donation and forgo any further communication about the piece.
At the time of the donation, you may be informed of where the piece will be displayed and for how long. Curators usually have a good idea of the plan for a new piece of art. That being said, things change. When coming from a private collection and starting to work with a larger institution, new management and goals can affect the future of your piece at the drop of a hat. Once you have donated the artwork, the exhibit may change or your piece may be moved into storage. Regardless, you have positively contributed to the museum’s collection.
4. Know Your Collection May Be Split Up
In the event of a large donation, it’s understandable that you want the grouping of your art to be respected. You curated your collection with intention. Especially when choosing a museum with a similar taste, you may assume that your pieces will be displayed together. This is is not always the case.
The museum also may only accept parts of your intended group gift. Although you’re hoping to keep certain pieces together, the museum may only be interested in specific works.
5. Consider Donating to a Charity
If you are looking to donate art and are not concerned with it’s whereabouts, you can donate to a charity. There are many charities that accept art donations. The art will likely be sold at the organization’s benefit.
6. Consult the Experts to Learn Your Tax Implications
Any donation above $5,000 needs to be reviewed by the Internal Revenue Service, according to Art Business. Make sure you consult with your tax attorney and file the appropriate forms. Be sure the value is up-to-date and done by an experienced appraiser. You can be penalized for misstating values in a donation. You also want to be sure that you receive the correct, and most beneficial, tax deduction.
Making the Right Decision
When you are downsizing your art collection, it’s good to understand your options. You put a lot of time and emotion into making these purchases and they deserve the same attention when it comes to finding them a new home. If you are forthright about your needs and concerns, you will find an amicable candidate to acquire a precious part of your art collection. If you are interested in exploring the option of selling artwork, you can learn more about that here.
