Managing your donation
Storage
The art works and cultural objects that we accept:
- Are placed in climate-controlled storage.
- May be rehoused and stored in archival-safe, acid-free materials.
- Are catalogued and added to PAMA’s collections database.
- Are made available for research and exhibition (unless restrictions have been applied) with all due consideration given to applicable privacy or copyright legislation.
We also may eventually place your donation in the online collections database.
Transfer of ownership through Deed of Gift
If your donation is accepted, we will send you a Deed of Gift to sign either through DocuSign or by mail, whichever you prefer.
Your signature on the Deed of Gift legally transfers ownership from you to PAMA. It also confirms your consent to no longer own the object. Once you sign the Deed of Gift, we will work with you to arrange for delivery of the donated object.
The Deed of Gift permanently and unconditionally transfers ownership of the object to Peel Region for PAMA’s use.
Return of donated items
Once the acquisition process has been completed and you have signed the Deed of Gift, the donation becomes the legal property of PAMA and cannot be returned.
If you have concerns about donating an object, consider discussing it with family members before starting the donation process.
Tax receipts for donations
PAMA may issue tax receipts for donations for the value of the objects you donate.
If you want a tax receipt for your donation, tell us as early as possible in the acquisition process.
- The Art Gallery and Museum will not issue tax receipts for objects with a fair market value under $20.
- Donors are responsible for the cost of independent appraisals for donations over $1,000. PAMA staff cannot give appraisal or tax advice.
- Donors are encouraged to speak with an accountant about the potential tax benefit of their donation.
Donations and the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board (CCPERB)
The Canadian Cultural Property Export and Import Act protects Canada's cultural heritage by regulating the import and export of cultural objects.
PAMA is a designated institution under the Canadian Cultural Property Export Act and can make an application to CCPERB on your behalf.
The intention to apply to CCPERB is agreed upon by the donor and PAMA before an object is acquired. Acquisitions never depend on CCPERB designation. All donations are finalized before an application is made to CCPERB.
If an application to CCPERB is unsuccessful, a donor cannot withdraw an offer after an object has already been accepted into the permanent collection.
Putting your donation on display
We can only display a small number of objects in our collections at any given time and cannot guarantee if or when your donation will be displayed.
By donating to PAMA you are supporting the long-term preservation of artworks and cultural objects as well as the knowledge and experience this represents.
Removing a donation from a collection
Objects can be removed from a collection, which is known as deaccessioning.
Deaccessioning is a normal part of the formation and care of collections because it helps refine the collection and make room for new acquisitions.
We follow the Canadian Museums Association (CMA) Deaccessioning Guidelines and other professional practices on deaccessioning matters.
After careful consideration, if PAMA decides to remove an object, we prioritize transferring it to another public institution so it can continue to support research, education, or exhibitions.
Safeguarding privacy
We protect personal, proprietary, or privileged information in keeping with legislation such as the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and our Collections Policy.