An extended loan is a long-term loan of an artwork from the AFA collection to an external client. Extended loan projects are generally (but not always) site specific, large-scale artworks that require special infrastructure or arrangements, such as a commission for a building.
While installing an extended loan may require significant investment, each artwork remains a permanent part of the AFA collection, and we hold responsibility for their care and maintenance.
What is required?
Extended loans strengthen our partnerships with organizations in our community. It can also provide opportunities to combine resources to commission exciting, accessible and cutting edge new works of public art by Albertan artists.
Extended loans are not limited to large-scale artworks or sculptures, and technically can be applied to any artwork in our collection. Essentially, an extended loan allows the recipient to hold the work for at least five years without review of the loan agreement.
The loan agreement and associated contributions required by an organization seeking to partner with the AFA can vary widely. In most cases, extended loans require significant investments by the partner organization(s) in infrastructure to hold the artwork.
How can I approach the AFA for an extended loan?
If you have project or specific artwork in mind, please give us a call and make a preliminary inquiry. We're always happy to chat about new opportunities.
One-off partnerships to commission public art can evolve through long-term relationship building and/or as responses to unique circumstances, such as the Capital Boulevard Public Art Project in Edmonton for Canada's 150th Anniversary.
Public art commission
This program provides funding to not-for-profit organizations in support of the creation of original works by Albertan artists designed for long-term display in public spaces. Once a Public Art Commission project is completed, the artwork becomes part of the AFA collection. Public art is readily accessible and enhances public space, often evolving into community landmarks.
This program remains paused as the AFA continues to analyze the previously completed scheduled review of this program and next steps. This program was established in 2014 and the AFA is ensuring it takes the appropriate time and care to consider any potential changes to this program.
There is significant complexity embedded in this program, as it serves both as an art acquisition and an extended loans program for the AFA Art Collection, as well as a funding support program to organizations and to individual artists. All potential outcomes must be considered against these contexts. We will take the time to ensure we make the right decisions for this program.
Although the public art commission program has only been in existence since 2014, art commissions are not a new form of acquisition for the AFA collection. It evolved from past partnerships with other art organizations in the province. The scheduled program review is another step in the evolution of the program.
- read a brief history of our partnerships with local organizations to create new public art.
