Bass Coast Shire Council is pleased to announce the adoption of its newly developed Art Collection Policy, designed to provide a comprehensive framework for acquiring, managing, and deaccessioning artworks within Council's Art and Public Art Collection.
This policy will guide the management of three significant collections under Council's care: Council's Art Collection, the Public Art Collection, and the Robert Smith Collection. By implementing this policy, the Council aims to ensure the effective and appropriate stewardship of both current and future art collections, aligning with best practices in the industry.
Council's commitment to cultural preservation and accessibility is further strengthened by this policy, which falls under the broader Bass Coast Arts and Culture Strategy 2019-2029. Developed through extensive community consultation, this strategy ensures that Council's approach to arts and culture remains in tune with community values and industry standards.
Since the early 1990s, Bass Coast Shire Council has collected artworks through donations, public art commissions, and acquisitions from local community art exhibitions, including the Your Art Collection (YAC) awards. However, following feedback from the YAC awards review and stakeholder consultations in 2022, it became clear that there was a need for a formal Art Collection Policy to govern what, how, and why Council collects art.
The Art Collection Policy has been developed in response to this need, ensuring that all artworks acquired and managed by Council are in line with best practices.
The Art Collection Policy serves as a strategic roadmap, guiding decision-making and ensuring responsible management of cultural assets. This policy will improve governance of the collection, reduce the likelihood of conflicts of interest, and increase transparency in collection management.
An assessment of Council's Art and Public Art Collections revealed a disproportionate number of artworks created by men, compared to the number of women artists in Australia. The updated acquisition guidelines aim to achieve gender parity within Council's collection, supporting the professional development of artists of all genders.
The policy introduces a framework for acquiring, managing, and deaccessioning artworks, ensuring that the value and significance of the collections are maintained for the long-term benefit of the community. It addresses financial, reputational, and operational risks, as well as occupational health and safety risks to staff and the public.
The adoption of the Art Collection Policy marks a significant step forward in ensuring that Council's art collections are sustainable, relevant, preserved, and accessible to the community. By adhering to this policy, Bass Coast Shire Council commits to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape that reflects the diversity and creativity of the region.
