Description

The Project:
The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art’s proposed photography collection assessment project is a straightforward one. In discussions with the museum’s director, Emily Neff, about the museum’s ultimate move to a downtown location, this emerged as a viable project through which the HLF could support prepartory curatorial work that would underpin new installations and potential exhibitions at the new site. While modest in size, the collection has roots in the museum’s early history, and includes works by local as well as national figures among its holdings. The assessment will be carried out by a photography curator of national and international stature, hence the relatively short timeframe for the work. An additional $5,000 has been added by the AAP, to support several additional days of review if necessary. The AAP has agreed to accept a second special grant application once the costs associated with the conservation recommended through the assessment have been determined.
 
Rationale for Funding:
The move of the Memphis Brooks to a downtown location will greatly improve its chances of achieving an audience more representative of the city’s diversity. The AAP is eager to support work associated with this highly commendable transition, and the photography assessment was the most immediately available opportunity in this early phase of preparatory work. The project is simply structured and the choice of consultant will guarantee its successful execution. The AAP will look forward to receiving an application for a second special grant, for photography conservation, in 2020. The costs associated with that work are too difficult to estimate in advance if the review’s conclusion. We additionally hope to be of more significant assistance to the Brooks in advance if the Museum’s reopening, once the building project is well on its way.