Mead Art Museum Acquisition Policy

Approved by: Mead Art Museum Collection Committee

Approval Date: July 1, 2020

The Mead appreciates and encourages the generosity of all prospective donors and supporters.

We evaluate and acquire gift offers according to the criteria outlined in the Museum’s Collecting Policy and Plan, which seeks to build a collection of quality and diversity that advances the Mead’s mission and the curriculum of Amherst College. We pride ourselves in actively using our collection in classes, exhibitions, and programs to support the educational mission of the College, and in making the collection easily accessible online, with over 90 percent of our works digitized. 

If you are interested in donating a work of art, please send a brief email with a description and images to Lisa Crossman, Director of Curatorial Affairs, at lcrossman@amherst.edu. If the artwork(s) meet the above-mentioned criteria for acquisitions, it will be considered by the Collection Committee, which makes recommendations to the Mead Advisory Board.

Important Guidelines for Gifts

The Mead has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1972 and follows best standards and practices for museum excellence and integrity. The museum seeks to avoid accepting into the collection objects that have been looted, smuggled, or stolen; these efforts are guided by the AAM Code of Ethics for Museums.

If you are considering making a gift of art, please first consult the policies listed below: 

 Archeological Material and Ancient Art (approved by American Alliance of Museums in 2008)

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)

Nazi-Era (1933–1945) Cultural Assets (adopted by AAM and AAMD) 

Thank you for thinking of the Mead!