The growth of the permanent collection through acquisitions is an essential part of the museum’s activities and mission, and every two years SAM celebrates new purchases and gifts to the collection. This video from 2019’s Discover New Art event honors the many generous contributions from donors that make the continued growth of SAM’s collection possible.
The Seattle Art Museum regularly acquires new works of art for the permanent collection through gifts, purchases, and bequests. Upon the recommendation of SAM’s Illsley Ball Nordstrom Director and CEO and curatorial staff, all acquisitions are rigorously reviewed and approved by the Committee on Collections and Board of Trustees. SAM adheres to the Code of Ethics as outlined in the AAMD’s Professional Practices in Art Museums.
Acquisitions are determined by a number of criteria, including but not limited to: significance of the object; authenticity and provenance; relevance to SAM’s collecting strategy and existing holdings; condition; quality; exhibition and publication history; storage costs and long-term maintenance.
