Private art collectors on motivations to donate, deposit, or lend out artworks in Norway

Abstract

Based on interviews with twelve art collectors, the following paper investigates the motivations driving art collectors to engage in donations, deposits, and short-term loans to publicly funded art museums, using Norway as an example. Additionally, it delves into the reasons behind their reluctance to contribute. It also probes deeper into the role of price as an objective valuation. This study’s findings reveal personal, economic, and societalinfluences on art collectors’ decisions to contribute, including the joy of seeing their art exhibited, making art publicly accessible, storage considerations, promoting Norwegian artists internationally, and fulfilling social responsibility. The rationale behind not donating is closely tied to art collectors’ demands and preferences for their artworks or collections, as well as personal and financial reasons.