House Study Bill 84

Gang, this is an email I sent in response to House Study Bill 84- which would require the University to sell the famed Pollock Mural for scholarship money… a spectacularly bad idea.

Dear Representative Raecker,

I was extremely upset to log onto the Gazette Website last night only to learn that you were proposing House Study Bill 84, which would require the University of Iowa to sell the famed Jackson Pollock Mural in order to pay for scholarships for resident students who wish to attend the University of Iowa. While I'm more than willing to recognize that as a state, we must seek a path towards long-term fiscal stability, selling the Pollock would provide only a short term gain with significant long term pain.

First of all, it's not at a clear to me that what you're proposing can actually happen. When this idea was first brought up in 2008, the Regents studied the issue and released the following report:

http://www.regents.iowa.gov/news/Pollockquestions1008.pdf

Which stated, amongst other things, that the University could indeed sell the Pollock, but that the proceeds would have to be used to purchase more art. They could not be used for other purposes without putting the accreditation of the University of Iowa Museum of Art at risk- and the loss of such accreditation would be a shattering blow to the prestige of the University's standing a credible public institution.

Second of all, this is just a bad idea plain and simple. Too few Iowans know or have had the opportunity to see this magnificent iconic painting up close and personal- and they shouldn't be denied that opportunity for scholarship money that will undoubtedly vanish quickly as tuition costs keep spiraling out of control and further out of the reach of the majority of Iowans. People come to our state from all around the world to see this iconic painting- and the fact that's it's here at Iowa helps bring students from around the country here to study art- I mean, think about it: if art is what you're passionate about, would you pass up the opportunity to study and be inspired by one of the most important paintings in American history?

When economic times are tough, I understand and despite occasional bouts of snarky cynicism on my part, actually appreciate that the Legislators such as yourselves are trying to give this state some measure of financial stability for the future- but having a fire sale with our cultural treasures is not the path to long term stability. It may produce a short term benefit for many students, but once we sell this painting, it's gone forever. Iowans will never get a chance to see this amazing painting and be proud of the fact that it's here in our state instead of in some big Museum in New York City. All of our treasures, natural and otherwise need protection in times like these so we can build a strong future for generations to come.

Thank you for your time,

Tom Nixon