Artwork, Exterior

It is the policy of Sonoma State University (SSU) to accept sculpture and other artwork for exhibit on the campus grounds. Artwork may be accepted either as a donation for permanent display or as a loan for temporary display, and must meet certain standards and requirements as set forth below.

1. Authority 
   This SSU policy is based in part on the Board of Trustees Executive Order 276, titled "Policy and Procedures for the Acceptance and Installation of Exterior Artwork on The California State University Campuses."
2. Criteria for Acceptance
   1. The artwork shall be architecturally or artistically significant.
   2. The artwork shall be compatible with the approved Campus Physical Master Plan as to scale, size, and location.
   3. The artwork shall be structurally sound.
   4. The artwork must not endanger the health or safety of the community.
   5. The highest quality of aesthetics and workmanship shall be used in the installation of the artwork.
   6. The artwork must be capable of low-cost maintenance.
3. Terms
   1. For Temporary Exterior Artwork:
      1. Exterior artwork exhibited temporarily at SSU shall remain the property of the owner. The owner--and not the University--shall be entirely responsible for the artwork, including maintenance, care, security, etc., unless other arrangements are made prior to acceptance.
      2. The owner shall be responsible for all installation and removal costs, unless other arrangements are made prior to acceptance.
      3. The artwork shall be exhibited for a period not to exceed six months from the date of installation.
      4. In order to extend the period of time the artwork is to be exhibited, the owner shall obtain the approval of the Exterior Artwork Committee (EAC). The EAC shall consist of the members of the Art Gallery Committee and the Campus Planner.
      5. Artwork not removed by the owner by the agreed upon date shall, at the direction of the EAC, be removed and stored.
      6. Artwork unclaimed within six months shall become the property of Sonoma State University Academic Foundation. Final disposition of the artwork shall be determined by the EAC.
   2. For Permanent Exterior Artwork:
      1. The Sonoma State University Academic Foundation shall receive and assume ownership of donated artwork.
      2. Sonoma State University, represented by the Director of the Art Gallery, shall be the guardian of the artwork, responsible for its maintenance, care and security during exhibit or storage.
      3. The University may decession the artwork after a period of five years, in accordance with approved policy and procedures of the University Art Gallery.
4. Procedures
   1. For Temporary Exterior Artwork:
      1. Application to loan exterior artwork for temporary display at SSU shall be made in writing to the Director of the University Art Gallery and shall include either photographs, a model, or a rendering of the artwork; installation requirements; the period of time for display; and a statement of the artist's intent.
      2. If the Director judges the artwork acceptable, he/she shall forward the application to the EAC. If the Director judges the artwork unacceptable, he/she shall then inform the applicant, who may petition to the EAC for reconsideration.
      3. The EAC shall review the application, guided by the criteria cited in Section II. The EAC shall identify all costs and sources of funding involved in installation, maintenance, removal, and storage. If the EAC accepts the artwork, the Gallery Director (with the Chair's authorization) shall notify the owner of the artwork and arrange for installation, etc. If the EAC does not accept the artwork, the Gallery Director (with the Chair's authorization) shall so inform the owner. This decision shall be final.
      4. Once the artwork has been installed, the owner may request an extension of the period of time the artwork is to be exhibited. The extension shall not exceed six months. The owner shall submit the request for the extension to the EAC through the Gallery Director.
      5. If the artwork is not removed by the owner by the agreed upon date, it will be removed and stored under the supervision of the Gallery Director. Removal and storage costs shall be charged to the owner.
      6. If, after six months in storage, the artwork still has not been reclaimed by the owner, the artwork shall become the property of Sonoma State University Academic Foundation. The EAC shall dispose of the artwork in a manner of its choice. If the EAC decides to recommend that the artwork become a permanent installation, all procedures that apply to acceptance and installation of permanent exterior artwork must be observed
   2. For Permanent Exterior Artwork:
      1. Procedures outlined in IV. A. 1. and 2. for Temporary Exterior Artwork shall apply for Permanent Exterior Artwork as well.
      2. The EAC shall review the application, guided by the criteria cited in Section II. The EAC shall identify and shall take into consideration all costs and sources of funding involved in the installation and maintenance of the artwork. If the EAC decides that the artwork is acceptable, the Chair shall forward its recommendation and the complete application to the Campus Planning Committee (CPC). If the EAC decides that the artwork is unacceptable, the Chair or his/her designee shall so inform the applicant. The EAC's decision not the accept the artwork shall be final.
      3. The CPC shall review the application and shall recommend to the President whether or not to accept the artwork.
      4. The President shall make the final approval for acceptance and installation. The President or his/her designee shall notify the applicant.

Updated March 3, 1999 by SSU.policies@sonoma.edu