Artwork Donation Policy

The MSU Libraries are an important campus destination and a center for academic life at Michigan State University, with several thousand visitors on a typical day.

The library's mission is to support teaching, research and outreach at MSU with the best possible services and resources for students, faculty, and staff. At the same time, the library seeks to provide an attractive, engaging space for study and research.

To that end, the Libraries welcome inquiries about the donation of work by established artists to enhance our physical environment. However, we ask potential donors to understand that we are not able to accept every artwork offered to us.

Due to budgetary restraints we cannot accept works which need repair, conservation treatment, or expensive rehousing, such as works which must be displayed under glass. Works within the following size ranges are preferred:

• Two-dimensional works:
  • Minimum size: 24 x 36 inches
  • Maximum size: 60 x 72 inches
• Three-dimensional works:
  • Minimum size: 12 x 24 x 36 inches
  • Maximum size: 72 x 72 x 72 inches
• A pedestal must be supplied with three-dimensional works which require one.

Prospective artwork donations which fall within these guidelines are reviewed by a group of library staff members, appointed by the library director, to determine whether the piece will work well in the library environment. Artworks accepted for the library become the property of Michigan State University.

We greatly appreciate the assistance of our supporters in making the MSU Libraries a pleasant and welcoming space for the MSU community.

Questions?

Please contact our Development Officer, Caitlyn Perry Dial, at (517) 432-0032 or dialcait@msu.edu