Ontario School Board Conceals $34K Fine Art Collection Records
An investigation into the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) in Ontario has revealed that the board is concealing records related to a fine art collection. This art collection consists of 84 pieces, with a total estimated value of $30,445, or approximately $360 per piece. The appraisal of these artworks was completed in 2012.
Details of the Fine Art Collection
The records, obtained through freedom of information requests, indicate that some notable artists are represented in the collection. These include:
- Frank (Franz) Johnston
- Manly MacDonald
- Benjamin Chee Chee
However, the majority of the individual artwork titles are heavily redacted, hindering a full understanding of the collection’s scope.
The Broader Context of Public Art Collections
Ontario’s school boards, including the TVDSB, are known to possess large public art collections, mainly accumulated through donations over many years. The TVDSB’s situation has sparked discussions about the accountability of public institutions regarding cultural assets, especially when low financial stakes are involved.
Currently, the TVDSB is among five Ontario boards under provincial financial supervision, which provides government-appointed officials authority over their operations. Among these boards, only the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has publicly disclosed information regarding its art collection, valued at as much as $10 million in 2010.
Challenges in Disclosure
The TVDSB’s reluctance to fully disclose information raises questions about the legal exemptions cited. Officials have pointed to economic interests and safety concerns as reasons for withholding details about the art’s storage and display.
According to Ontario’s information and privacy commissioner, these exemptions should be reserved for serious risks. The TVDSB has dismissed claims of potentially valuable individual artworks within its collection due to lack of supporting records.
Secrecy and Risk Management Practices
Experts have criticized the board’s use of secrecy as a risk management strategy, which may pose greater risks in the long term. Cara Krmpotitch, a professor of museum studies, notes that many public art collections, like that of the TVDSB, often lack proper documentation.
Bare inventories and unavailable collection details can render these artworks vulnerable. Christopher Marinello, an art recovery lawyer, emphasizes that failure to catalog art leads to losses and diminished recovery prospects if items go missing.
Importance of Proper Management
Collections in schools, hospitals, and universities often resemble furnishings rather than valuable cultural assets. There have been instances where significant pieces were found in inappropriate locations, pointing to a lack of oversight.
The gap in oversight regarding non-financial assets, including art, has been noted across Canada. Lack of inventory systems can lead to the quiet disappearance of artworks without accountability, stressing the need for improved stewardship by public institutions.
