Rose Museum backers seek halt to selloff - The Boston Globe
When I first heard about the closing and dismantling of the art collection at the Rose Museum @ Brandeis, I was shocked. I’m lucky enough to sit on a Board which exists to support the work of my undergraduate college’s museum, and the thought of a similar action being taken at my alma mater would NEVER happen.
As many critics of the move have cited, the short term benefits (cash infusion) are nothing compared to the lasting void that will be created by this move.
I think everyone understands that many universities endowments took large hits when the American economy tanked - and that is especially true of Brandeis who had money in with Bernie Maddoff - but are there truly no other solutions than desolving a true asset to the liberal arts education.
The Trustees and President of Brandeis cited that the museum has little foot traffic and much of its collection cannot be on display. It is important that they realize that this is a college museum, not a large institution like the MFA/ICA, and that their goal is in being a resource for the students on campus.
In addition, my first thought was that many of those works of art were gifts that came with clauses ensuring that the works were used as intended, to enrich the academic experience of Brandeis students and the visiting public. I cannot imagine the work that will go into tracking each piece’s paperwork down and seeing if any of the works are actually allowed to be sold in such a fashion.
I imagine that because the Museum is barely 50 years old - that much of the work is well protected in line with the charter of the Rose.
I’m looking forward to seeing how this is handled, and if the Mass Attorney General’s office addresses this grievous crime against Brandeis students and the ongoing cultural wealth of our area.
I am sure I will have more to say and the story continues to be debated…..
