The municipal collection is enriched and further developed through the donation of artworks. The standard procedure for reviewing proposed donations is designed to add works that are representative of specific periods of art history, but under-represented in the municipal collection, while ensuring a rigorous and vigilant evaluation of proposed donations.

The acquisition-by-donation process encompasses several criteria, notably the conditions submitted by the donor, the evaluation of the work, the link between the work and the artist’s body of work, and how the work meshes with the municipal collection.

Action framework

The acquisition of new artworks for the public space is carried out in accordance with the public art action framework adopted in 2010. Founded on three guiding principles, the framework includes 11 commitments aimed at maintaining and preserving collections, acquiring and developing new artworks, and disseminating and promoting public art.

• PDF file Framework for action in public art (in French) [PDF 2 MB]

This procedure applies to artworks that are likely to be added to Montréal’s public art collection and to be installed on public or private property within the city (e.g., in a park or a municipal building).

Any individual or legal entity, Canadian or foreign, may submit a proposal for the donation of a work of public art. The following types of proposal will be considered:

• An existing work of public art
• A new work of public art commissioned and funded by the donor 

Any individual or corporation, Canadian or foreign, can submit a proposal to donate a public artwork. The inventory of public artworks and works integrated into architecture is available on the Bureau d’art public Web site.

The following elements are taken into account when evaluating proposed donations:

• The place of the artist and the work in an artistic current or an art history period, from the perspective of potentially enriching the collection.
• Whether or not the city owns a work by the artist.
• The work’s consistency and relevance within the city’s collection of public artworks.
• The fact that it is the work of a visual artist with professional status.
• The work’s market value.
• The cost of acquiring, installing and maintaining the work.
• The city’s ability to integrate the work into its facilities or public property.
• Compliance with the safety standards of the work.
• The work’s preservation state.
• The conditions that the donor imposes on the city (e.g., maintenance).
• Proof of physical ownership of the work.

The donation proposal must be submitted to the Bureau d’art public.

The form, list of required documents, and complete procedure are available below.

• PDF file Public artwork acquisition procedure (in French) [PDF 350 KB]
• PDF file Proposed public artwork donation form (in French) [PDF 169 KB]

If deemed necessary, the city can request an external evaluation in order to check the provenance of the submitted work with competent authorities and receive a cost estimate for restoring or preserving the work and installing it. If the application is compliant and acceptable to the city, it will be submitted to the evaluation committee.

The Bureau d’art public forms a three-member committee of experts. These specialists have careers in museum institutions, educational institutions or specialized magazines. The evaluation committee may also include a representative of the Service de la culture or a municipal unit responsible for development projects (central department or borough). The Bureau d’art public provides secretarial services, without voting rights.

In the event of a favourable report from the committee of experts regarding acceptance of the donation, the Bureau d’art public will submit a deed of donation to city authorities.

If the donor requests a tax receipt, a second and third appraisal of the work’s fair market value will be required. These appraisals will be carried out by specialists recognized by the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board.

All new acquisitions will be managed by the Bureau d’art public responsible for the public collection of municipal art. The latter will ensure the preservation of this work in accordance with its conservation practice.