The Denver Art Museum (DAM) collections are maintained for the benefit of the public. Objects are loaned to reach a wider audience and advance the research field.
While on loan, works must be given the same level of care and protection as provided by the DAM. All works considered for loan must be part of the DAM collections and must be in stable condition in order to withstand the rigors of the loan. Additionally, loans may be restricted based on fragility, rarity, use in other programs, prior commitments, and other management or scheduling considerations.
Potential borrowers must provide verification of their environmental, storage, exhibition, and security conditions, as well as explain their procedures for handling and the transit of works. Potential borrowers must also adhere to any special conditions, restrictions, or procedures required by the DAM, as outlined in the loan documentation.
Timeline
Loan requests must be submitted at least six months in advance of the loan start date. Please note that the DAM generally considers the loan start date to be one month prior to the exhibition opening date. Requests made under this timeline may be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be subject to rush fees.
Application
Loan requests must be made online through the Denver Art Museum Outgoing Loan Request Form. The following information will be required for submission:
- Exhibition organizer information
- Exhibition title and dates
- Exhibition description and justification
- Checklist of objects requested from the DAM
- Venue location and any additional venue locations and dates, if applicable
- Venue and exhibition contacts including the contact for the borrower’s Registrar, if possible
- Formal request letter addressed to the DAM Director
- Current standard facility report(s) for borrower and additional venues
- Exhibition funding sources and associated publications, if applicable
Estimated Costs
Borrowers will be responsible for paying all associated loan costs unless other arrangements are approved in advance. Estimated costs will be forwarded when loans are approved and are subject to change. Standard loan costs include but are not limited to:
- Loan Fee, $500 (an additional $500 rush fee will apply to loans requested under the six-month timeline)
- Conservation, framing, mounts
- Packing, crating, crate disposal
- Shipping
- Insurance
- Courier costs
Loan Requirements
All approved loans are subject to special handling, shipping, courier, insurance, security, storage, and display restrictions or requirements. All loans are subject to their specified loan period but may be recalled at any time. Specific requirements will be outlined in the loan approval documentation.
Loans preparation will not begin until loan agreements are signed; loans may not leave the DAM until a certificate of insurance is received.
Next Steps
Loan submissions will be reviewed and approved by the Outgoing Loan Committee. Loan requests will be sent to the appropriate curatorial, conservation and registration colleagues for assessment. The approval process takes up to three months for consideration and notification. Approved loans will be communicated through the Director’s office followed by loan documentation issued by the Registrar.
