Is photography allowed?

Photography is permitted for personal and educational purposes with a cell phone, unless otherwise noted. Flash, selfie sticks, tripods and professional cameras are NOT permitted, unless special permission has been retained for PR purposes.

Does Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum accept artist proposals?

Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is currently not accepting any unsolicited proposals. Artists can apply for exhibitions and opportunities listed in our Season Prospectus. Artists who DO NOT follow the guidelines outlined in the Prospectus and were not contacted directly by Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum Staff about participating in an exhibition are considered unsolicited artists. Artists who apply for an opportunity and follow the guidelines in the Prospectus are NOT considered unsolicited. Unsolicited materials will be returned without comment.

What does Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum collect?

Mesa Contemporary Arts collects exhibits and cares for contemporary works of traditional media and works on paper. This also includes craft, which is comprised of ceramics, fibers, basketry, metals, wood, glass, jewelry, papermaking and book arts.

What is an acquisition?

Acquisition is a term used to describe new gifts and purchases that become part of the museum’s permanent collection, when the title of an object is transferred and the museum becomes the owner. Accessioning is the formal process used to accept and record an object as a permanent collection work.

How does a museum decide what pieces become part of the permanent collection?

Like most museums, Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum has an Acquisitions Committee comprised of staff and other professionals in the art field. For an artwork to be accessioned into the permanent collection, the work must meet the following requirements:

• Relevant to the museum's Mission
• Of good quality, superb craftsmanship, and in good repair
• Legally and ethically acquired
• With legal title and without significant restrictions
• Of size and condition that the museum will be able to provide adequate storage, conservation and protection of the work under conditions in keeping with professional standards

How can I donate a work of art to Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum's permanent collection?

To make a donation to the permanent collection, you will need to provide a letter describing your donation, any history you have on the work, and an image. Please email the proposal to mesacontemporaryarts@mesaartscenter.com or send it to:

Acquisitions Committee

Mesa Contemporary Arts at Mesa Arts Center

P.O. Box 1466

Mesa, Arizona 85211

Once the committee has had a chance to meet, you will be notified if your work meets the requirements and has been acceptance into the collection. All donations are tax deductible.

How does a museum care for the permanent collection?

Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum currently cares for over 1,000 objects in its permanent collection. When a museum accepts a piece, the museum becomes responsible for the proper storage, maintenance, conservation, and documentation of that object. The museum also makes the work available for the benefit of the public. This obligation means that even a gift is not free. Each acquisition places demands on museum resources and requires climate controlled storage and possible conservation in the future.

Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is a visual arts exhibition space committed to the presentation, interpretation, collection, documentation and preservation of contemporary visual arts with a special focus on traditional media. Dedicated to presenting exceptional regional, national and international exhibitions, Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum provides support and advancement to artists world-wide through solo, group and juried exhibitions while promoting educational opportunities within our community.