Donation Information

The Museum of Northwest Art accepts compelling donations of art, archival materials, and ephemera by and about Northwest artists. We collect a variety of art, including paintings, prints and other works on paper, sculpture, glass, ceramics, photographs, and new media. We have an active Collections Committee that meets on a quarterly basis to review submissions. A special meeting may be scheduled for end of year donations. The committee and Museum are committed to the principle that all collecting be done according to the highest standards of ethical and professional practice.

We accept works as either unrestricted or restricted to the Permanent Collection. Unrestricted gifts may or may not remain as part of the Permanent Collection - they may be traded for other works of art or sold to otherwise support the Permanent Collection or other Museum programs. Restricted gifts are accepted only for perpetual use in the Permanent Collection. This may include being available for loan to other qualified institutions that we are partners with.

Works of art accepted into the Permanent Collection are to significantly enhance the Museum's stated mission and are subject to all Museum policies and must be in excellent condition.

The Museum requires donors to transfer all rights of reproduction unless the donor does not own such rights or the gift is made by a living artist of the artist's own work. In such cases, the Museum will seek a nonexclusive right of reproduction from the copyright owner.

It has been the Museum's longstanding policy not to provide appraisals to donors. Under current IRS guidelines, the Museum cannot act as a qualified appraiser because of the inherent conflict with its role as a donee. If a donor asks for assistance in locating an appropriate appraiser, the Collections staff may suggest qualified appraisers, including the Art Dealers Association and auction houses.

The Donation Process

Step 1:

The first step in donating physical objects to the museum is to complete our Donor Questionnaire Form. This gives the Curatorial team the information they need to present the offered donation to the Collections Committee.

Step 2:

The second step in the donation process is to have the work presented to the Collections Committee at their next scheduled meeting.

Once a decision has been made, you will be contacted to inform you of their decision.

Step 3:

If the object is accepted by the Collection Committee you will be informed of their decision and you will receive two copies of the Deed of Gift for your signature. Upon return of those Deeds of Gift a countersigned copy will be returned to you for your records and delivery of the object will be arranged.

Step 4:

Once the object is delivered to the museum the gift will be complete. If you wish to report the donation for tax purposes, you may request an IRS form 8283.