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APP advances draft deaccession policy and discusses moving or retiring damaged artworks
Summary
Staff presented a draft deaccession policy to formalize steps for identifying, reporting and legally reviewing artworks for removal or relocation. The board discussed specific items — Aquatic Figures (paint failure), Dino World (severe damage), and moving large sculptures — and a Pacific Coast conservator provided cost and conservation constraints.
The Arts & Public Places (APP) board reviewed a draft revised deaccession policy and several candidate pieces for relocation or removal.
Staff said the draft formalizes steps that previously were informal: identify pieces for review; assemble a working group to evaluate criteria (damage beyond repair, public safety, changed context); contact the artist or artist’s family; pursue legal review; and document the outcome. The draft also includes an example report that applies the steps to a specific piece.
Board members discussed specific collection items. “Aquatic Figures” at the pool shows flaking paint and staff noted the pool will be closed for resurfacing this season, creating an opportunity to address the piece. Pacific Coast conservators flagged technical constraints to moving some works: cutting a large ceramic mural for relocation could damage handprints and cost tens of thousands of dollars, while other sculptures might be easier to relocate at lower cost. Staff cited a rough moving-cost range for some interventions (example range given: $25,000–$38,000) but emphasized that costs vary by piece and method.
Members proposed practical next steps: reconvene the working group, contact artists or families where possible, prioritize an initial audit of the oldest or most-damaged items (for example, 10 pieces per year), and pilot the process with Aquatic Figures. The board approved forming a deaccession/relocation working group (Andy and Jasmine will serve as the board representatives) to evaluate recommendations and make a report to the full board.
Staff said legal review will follow board sign-off and that the county’s procurement and legal teams will help ensure the policy aligns with ordinance and state law.
