This issue is discussed on both sides of the ocean is not the first year.

New York bill banning museums to sell their exhibits in order to obtain funds to cover operating costs are likely doomed to failure. The proposal provoked a wave of opposition from nonprofit agencies that the project sponsor in the Senate, the state withdrew its support.

In the past few years, America has happened several scandals related to the sale of works from the museum collections. For example, in 2008, the Museum of the National Academy was criticized for having enlarged its operating budget, selling on the market two paintings Landscape Hudson River School (XIX century). Code of Ethics of the American Association of Museums states that proceeds from the sale of works can only go to buy new items and care for the old.

Museums - opponents of the bill believe that there are too many restrictions as well as points that can be interpreted in different ways. They argue that it is able to resolve such issues themselves. The representative of the Metropolitan Museum, for example, said that the bill "impractical, unnecessary and untenable." According to director of the Metropolitan Thomas Campbell (Thomas Campbell), the current rules is sufficient.

provision in a bill requiring museums compile lists of all their available works, also causes severe criticism. Representatives of the Latin American Society of America say that this they will need millions of dollars.

interesting that American museums are governed by much stricter than other institutions, owning works of art. As an example, the Metropolitan Opera, which laid the two panels Marc by Marc Chagall in security for a loan, without lawful right. However, when such was seen Chelsea Art Museum, he had problems with the authorities. The consequences can be severe - even the loss of museum status non-profit institutions.

If we compare the level of state regulation of museums in America and, for example, in the UK, the number of prohibitions and restrictions on legislators Albion is unlikely to catch up with overseas colleagues. The British Museum Island is not officially allowed to sell the exhibits to cover current expenses. Nevertheless, there are such cases of public criticism. So when in June this year, two important items from the Royal Museum of Cornwall (picture "Slavery" by Ernest Normand and "Sea Maiden" by Herbert Draper) were put under the hammer at London auction Christie's, the sociologist Tifany Jenkins (Tiffany Jenkins) protested against the action management of the museum. Or, when Southampton City Council tried to sell the Rodin sculpture and a painting by Alfred Manning in order to bail out the funds to build a museum of "Titanic", a collective protest against non-governmental organizations are not allowed to do so.

There another point of view of the fact, whether the money from sold items will make a difference. For example, Horshemsky Museum in Sussex, sells only those exhibits that are not directly related to the history of this area. With the money acquired unique objects of which have already drafted one of the best collections on the great English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, born in Horsheme. This meeting gratefully enjoyed scholar Shelley.

So to sell or not sell? This question will always remain in the center of controversy. In the current economic situation, non-profit museums often lack the financing of the state and sponsorships to sustain at the proper level. Museum buildings deteriorate, and the funds are overcrowded million items, which are rarely or never get into the exhibition. So why museums can not resolve questions about selling items on their own, depending on each situation? And a drowning man will save himself.

On the other hand, how to determine with any subject not sorry to leave, and what will be needed if not now, then for future generations? After all, the task of the museum primarily is to protect the cultural heritage of the trends of fashion, political or financial pressure. How much of what was lost in the restructuring of museums for the sake of new ideologies or sold in a difficult economic situation, and now want to return.

Material prepared Yulia Maximova and Maria Onuchina, AI

Source: artinfo.com , spiked-online.com , news. bbc.co.uk , artinvestment.ru