The Maryland Commission on Artistic Property
OFFICIAL POLICY STATEMENT

The Collection
The official collection consists of works of art located in state buildings and premises in Annapolis and owned or loaned to the state which commemorate the people and events which have shaped the history of Maryland government; and furniture, silver, and other objects of decorative art with historic, commemorative or great artistic significance and/or intrinsic value.

Acquisitions
All artistic properties acquired by gift, purchase, or commission which fulfill the criteria for inclusion in the official collection must be submitted to the Commission on Artistic Property for approval, which will be based on appropriateness of subject, historical significance, and artistic merit.

In cases of direct commissions by the state, the commissioning agencies must obtain prior approval of the Commission on Artistic Property of the artist under consideration. Portraits of all subjects must have the prior approval of the Commission on Artistic Property and should not exceed 36" x 48" unframed.

Copies of all documents pertaining to the acquisition of a work of art for the official collection and a biography of the subject must be submitted to the Commission on Artistic Property for inclusion in the curatorial files.

Conservation
Conservation or restoration of all objects in the official collection must have the prior approval of the Commission on Artistic Property.

Location and Display
Works of art in the official collection shall be located according to the appropriateness of the subject to its setting, and wherever possible, displayed in such a manner as to illustrate the chronological history of Maryland government.

Works of art of great historic and artistic significance shall be located in areas of greatest accessibility in such a manner as to make their historic significance readily comprehensible to the general public.

Adopted 3/1/79; Revised 1/11/93

© Copyright 2000 Maryland State Archives