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An ordinance amending Chapter 13.24 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws to authorize the Parthenon to accept short-term loans of artwork and artifacts.
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WHEREAS, Chapter 13.24 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws governs the operation, management, and regulation of parks and recreation facilities within the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County ("Metro"); and,
WHEREAS, the Parthenon periodically receives opportunities to borrow artworks or artifacts for limited exhibitions or educational purposes; and,
WHEREAS, the current provisions of Chapter 13.24 do not expressly authorize the Parthenon to accept short-term artwork loans without approval of the Metropolitan Council; and,
WHEREAS, permitting the Parthenon to accept short-term artwork loans of less than twelve months without Council approval would promote operational efficiency, enhance cultural offerings available to the public, and align with accepted national museum standards; and,
WHEREAS, the Parthenon maintains professional museum practices consistent with industry best standards, including those of the American Alliance of Museums; and,
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Metropolitan Government to amend Chapter 13.24 to authorize such activity.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. Section 13.24.040 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws and its caption are hereby amended by deleting the caption in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the following:
"Section 13.24.040. Donations to the Parks Board and Acceptance of Short-Term Artwork Loans."
Section 2. Section 13.24.040 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws is hereby amended by adding new subsections (C)-(F):
C. The Parthenon is authorized to accept loans of artwork, artifacts, or similar cultural items for exhibition, research, educational programming, or related museum purposes for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months without the need for approval by the Metropolitan Council.
D. All artwork or artifact loans accepted pursuant to this section shall be managed, documented, transported, stored, exhibited, and returned according to industry best practices for museums, including standards established by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).
E. The Parthenon shall maintain written loan documentation for all items accepted under this section, which shall include provisions regarding ownership, condition reporting, insurance, security, conservation responsibilities, and any limitations imposed by the lender.
F. Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the Metropolitan Government or the Board of Parks and Recreation to establish additional policies or procedures governing exhibition loans or museum operations.
Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect from and after its final passage, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.