ArtMatters 2005
November 6–8, 2005
Open to all museum professionals, this conference addressed the key issues facing museums in today’s dynamic environment. Among the topics discussed were the unprecedented competition museums face in acquiring the best works by contemporary artists in an overheated market; the challenge for an institution in acquiring both a private collection and the environment created for it; the respective roles of curators and art dealers in discovering and promoting new artists; the ripple effect of major acquisitions on institutional mission and programming; and deaccessioning in a difficult economic climate. Speakers included museum directors, curators, dealers, artists, collectors, and other prominent art world figures. For a full list of speaker and topics, download the conference program.

The American Federation of Arts gratefully acknowledges those who have generously supported ArtMatters 2005:

Program Support
Antenna Audio
Joseph and Sylvia Slifka Foundation, Inc.
Event Sponsorship
Christie’s (evening reception)
Henderson Phillips Fine Arts Insurance (coffee reception)

The AFA would also like to extend a special thank you to the Dahesh Museum of Art, El Museo del Barrio, and the Jewish Museum for hosting the conference.