How do you feel about exhibition copies? Reproductions? Are they a way to share art safely or are they just fake? For years I have had facsimiles as part of collections and exhibitions. The argument can be made for them for so many reasons. Also, in this climate of repatriation, they are going to become more and more prevalent in our community. The real question is, if a museum has built part of its identity and mission around something that has a sorted history, how can it be a good citizen and continue to engage in ways its visitors expect? How do you manage a reputation in today’s art world?
Check out this issue’s articles to see how some of the biggest museums in our community are dealing with this question. From the Elgin marbles to the Rosetta stone, iconic objects are becoming the focus of many critics. Find out what solutions are in the works and paths art pros are looking to. This also includes those museums grappling with the backlash of fakes and fall out around bad acquisition decisions. What would you do to repair your organization’s reputation? Is full transparency the answer?
Being upfront with your information and making genuine attempts at sharing how works came to be can be a solid path forward. Take a look at the Resource section to find out how notable institutions like the Smithsonian and the Getty are working to print 3D replicas and mounts. Also, take a look at DACS, and see the standards for tracking data and recording the provenance of works. How you keep your information is an important part of building an ethical and respectable reputation.
Whatever you do, know that your institution’s reputation is built by the actions of everyone working on your team. While it is often hard to withstand the pressure to bend the rules sometimes, just know that everyone’s decisions and actions will reflect on you. I hope everyone out there finds ways to build reliable and strong best practices that safeguard your team from major pitfalls. Be strong in your convictions and look to others to find the precedent you need.