Make a collection offer

Thank you for considering making an offer to QVMAG's collection. Your generosity enables the museum's collection to grow and develop. 

We're always interested in finding new objects, telling untold stories and representing our place and community. The collection aims to reflect the key themes of Our Country, Our People, and Our Stories.

The Museum collects objects, artworks, archives and specimens that will inform and educate people today and in the future.

How do I offer an object or artwork to the Museum? 

  1. Before making an offer, please read our FAQ below.
  2. Please contact us via email in the first instance with details of your offer. Make sure you include detailed photographs of the object(s).
  3. You will receive an acknowledgement from us. We endeavour to do this within 14 days, and we may contact you for more information.
  4. Offers that move to the next stage are assessed by QVMAG Curatorial staff before being presented to the QVMAG Collections Committee for review. Once internal reviews are complete, the offer is submitted to the Museum Governance Advisory Board for approval.
  5. The process for acquiring collection items is rigorous and it can take several months before a final decision is made. Please note that QVMAG cannot accept items prior to final Board approval.

If you have any questions about the process, you can contact us for more information.

Please do not bring in any objects or specimens to the museum unless requested. We will not be able to accept them.

FAQs

How does the Museum decide what to collect?

We use a range of criteria to decide what to permanently accession to our collections. Key to this decision is an item's provenance - knowledge of where it came from, where it was found, who made or used it and who has owned it over the years. 

We consider whether an object:

  • Relates to themes, issues or people of state and/or national significance.
  • Assists in understanding and interpreting Tasmanian and/or Australian history and culture.
  • Is a particularly good example of its type or not well-represented in other museum collections.
  • Is in a suitable condition for long-term storage or display.
  • Is well provenanced, with good information about its history and owners.

Unfortunately, it isn't possible to accept every object that is offered.

I’m cleaning out my shed and found some old things the Museum might like. Are you interested?

We receive many generous offers and have strict guidelines for acquiring objects. We’re most interested in the stories associated with objects – connections to places, people and defining moments in our history. Please contact us if your object tells a strong story.

Can I send in or bring my object into the Museum?

No. Please do not send or bring objects or specimens to the Museum. If we are considering an offer and need to see an object, a curator will be in touch.

Can the Museum provide valuations?

No. We do not provide valuations or authentications. The Australian Government’s Ministry for the Arts maintains a list of approved valuers for its Cultural Gifts Program. You could also consult the Auctioneers and Valuers Association of Australia.

Contact us

If you would like to make an offer to the QVMAG Collection, please email details to enquiries@qvmag.tas.gov.au or write to us at:

Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery
PO Box 403
Launceston
TAS 7250

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