How to ensure the independence of art institutions?

With the proliferation of ‘not for profit’ private museums and the increasing dependency of ‘public sector’ museums on private finance, modern and contemporary art museums are under increasing pressure to service the agendas of the individuals and organisations that fund them rather than the public they were founded to serve. What can museum professionals do to resist these influences and ensure the independence and resilience of their institutions.

→ What are the potential risks in accepting sponsorship from commercial galleries and auction houses?

→ Under what circumstances, if any, should a museum exhibit the private collections of their patrons?

→ How can museums ensure that governance and finance are clearly separate in ‘not for profit’ organisations?

→ How can CIMAM best support museums in maintaining curatorial independence from the external influence of sponsors or patrons?