Thursday, August 29, 2013

"We don’t need the AAMD to serve as a museum police force." (UPDATED)

Exactly!  Where do I sign the petition?

David Ross, in a BlogBack to Lee Rosenbaum, says she should lay off the calls for the AAMD to DO SOMETHING NOW about the Pennsylvania Academy's decision to sell an important Hopper.  He writes:

"I do not think this is an issue for the AAMD, or any external oversight body except the museum’s own trustees. They are the men and women entrusted with the preservation of the works held by their museum. If they agree, then you may (and should) criticize them and their director. ... I feel strongly that we should trust the intelligence and professionalism of museum professionals and the seriousness of responsible boards of trustees. We don’t need the AAMD to serve as a museum police force. State and federal tax authorities and attorneys general can and do enforce violations of law, and that’s how it should be.  So criticize all you like when you feel an institution is selling work you feel they should not, and turn up the heat when you feel trustees are not living up to their responsibilities, but don’t expect the AAMD to solve or even address your concern."

Precisely, and I have just one question:  why shouldn't it apply to all deaccessions, regardless of how the proceeds are used?

UPDATE:  Sergio Muñoz Sarmiento is signing the petition too.