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The Art of Deaccessioning by MuseumsThe Art of Deaccessioning by Museums

Recent controversies illustrate a need for re-examining this practice.

Azmina Jasani, Partner, Art and Cultural Property Law Group

February 23, 2018

13 Min Read
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Museums play an indispensable role in civil society. They collect, study, conserve and exhibit significant works of art from varied cultures and time periods. They make otherwise inaccessible art accessible and help increase the public’s engagement with art. There is, therefore, a strong presumption against the disposal or “deaccessioning” of items in a museum’s collection. “Deaccession” is defined as the removal of an object, via sale or otherwise, from a museum’s collection. It’s a practical way for museums to manage their collections, as it affords them the opportunity to purchase newer or more relevant works and change directions. During a period of financial turbulence, deaccessioning may become an economic necessity. There are, how...

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About the Author

Azmina Jasani

Partner, Art and Cultural Property Law Group, Constantine Cannon

Azmina Jasani is a partner in Constantine Cannon's Art and Cultural Property Law Group, and concentrates her practice on all aspects of art law.  Azmina is dual qualified to practice law in New York and England & Wales. She has significant experience working with international collectors, large and small galleries, auction houses, professional advisers, dealers and financial institutions on contentious and non-contentious matters.

Azmina advises clients on the sale and purchase of important works of art bought and sold privately or at auction, on consigning works to auction houses and galleries, on using art as collateral for loans, on loaning artworks to museums or special exhibitions, on copyright and other intellectual property rights and on operating an e-commerce business, particularly online-only auctions. In addition to her transactional experience, Azmina has substantial litigation experience in the area of copyright infringement, authenticity, title disputes, consignment disputes, general contract and complex commercial disputes, including fraud, and World War II restitution.

Prior to joining Constantine Cannon, Azmina spent four years as an associate in the New York office of Withers Bergman LLP, where her primary focus was art litigation. She also spent two years as an associate in the New York Office of Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP, where she advocated on behalf of corporate and hedge fund clients on matters relating to securities fraud and contractual disputes.

Azmina received her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall), and her B.A., summa cum laude, from Queens College, City University of New York.