Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Dissertation - Restricted Access (SIA Only)
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Art Business
Abstract
This dissertation examines how and why deaccessioning, ‘the process where museums remove items from collections,’ is practiced by US museums. It first seeks to explain what deaccessioning is, situating it within the fields of Institutional Critique and Museum Ethics, before illustrating its significance within the broader socio-political context.
This research demonstrates how there has historically been hesitation to embrace deaccessioning as a strategic tool, with the default being to rely on it primarily in moments of financial crisis and will instead argue how with due care it can be embraced as a regular feature of collections management. This research is particularly concerned with exploring how deaccessioning can be reimagined as a dynamic practice that can aid in the diversification of institutions and thus support museums in their equity-driven missions to be responsive to and operate for the maximum benefit of the public they serve.
Methodologically, this dissertation adopts a mixed-research approach that combines case studies and semi-structured interviews, with analysis of policy documents, art market databases, secondary literature, oral histories, and journalistic commentary. The US has been selected as the jurisdiction for this research given its centrality to deaccessioning conversations, and the US museums that serve as case studies have been carefully selected for their varied power of influence, historical record and recent deaccessioning activity. The semi-structured interviews that have been conducted champion the unique perspective of museum professionals, which is currently under-represented in existing literature. In addition, this research also addresses the gap of literature on post-Covid-19 practice and explores the intersection between art and politics in today’s tumultuous political climate.
Ultimately, this dissertation will argue that when undertaken with honest transparency and ensuring due diligence, deaccessioning can strengthen collections, increase diversity, and advance public trust. It contends that the current conversations surrounding deaccessioning should be re-evaluated, with the practice more readily employed as a legitimate museum strategy that can help museums remain relevant and achieve their missions.
Recommended Citation
Curtis, Annabel, "To Sell or Not to Sell: An Investigation into us Museum Deaccesioning" (2026). MA in Art Business Dissertations. 38.
https://digitalcommons.sia.edu/ma_art_bus/38