Campus Art Accession Policy

In general, IWU does not accept unsolicited art work due to the lack of adequate storage for the existing collection. However, we recognize that there may be cases where it is to our advantage to consider new acquisitions. The goal of this policy is to provide guidelines that allow for fuller discussions.

Works will not be considered that are of such poor condition that they pose the risk of damaging other objects in the collection, can’t be stabilized, or are cost-prohibitive to have professionally conserved. Consult the collection curator (currently the University Archivist & Special Collections Librarian), if needed.

Works may be considered for the Campus Art Collection under any of the following circumstances:

1. They have potential for curricular value.
2. They have been donated specifically for an aesthetic improvement to campus; OR, They have a monetary value that the donor can provide documentation for and the donor permits their sale for the benefit to the University.
3. They were created by alumni or faculty/staff.

Whichever unit receives an inquiry about accepting a work will ask the donor to send an image and documentation (can just be an introductory email stating which of the considerations above apply) to one of the units below:

1. Director of the School of Art 
2. Vice President for Advancement
3. University Archivist & Special Collections Librarian

These units may consult others, as needed, but they will not accept a work that falls outside their area of responsibility. Once a unit decides to accept a work, the donor will be referred to the University Archivist who will provide a Deed of Gift. The archivist will take the steps needed to add the item to the inventory and the online image catalog .

Once accepted, gift materials become the property of Illinois Wesleyan University and will be added to the collection or responsibly disposed of as deemed appropriate (see Deaccession Policy ).

Most donors who contribute property (excluding cash and publicly traded securities) to Illinois Wesleyan University, and who claim a fair market value exceeding $5,000, must obtain a written appraisal from a qualified appraiser to support the claimed valuation. This appraisal must be obtained no earlier than 60 days prior to the date the property is donated, and not later than the due date of the relevant tax return year (including extensions). 

Even when the donated property is worth less than $5,000, it is a good idea to obtain a formal appraisal in order to determine the contribution dedication amount. The units above may assist in suggesting names of local qualified appraisers, but the responsibility for this activity and associated fees is the donor’s.