Knowledge Hub
Reflections from the research, insights from conversations, and updates on our progress.
We're building in real-time and sharing what we learn. These are updates on our development, perspectives from the cultural sector, and reflections on the challenges museums face.
Research & Insights
Industry Insights on a New Model
for Museum Financial Sustainability
Over a 20-month period, our team partnered with academics from NYU to interview museum professionals, financial experts, and cultural sector leaders across North America. This research explores whether museums can build sustainable funding from their collections without compromising mission, stewardship, or public trust—and introduces reaccessioning as a new approach to collection stewardship.
Key Insights:
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Financial Urgency is Universal
94% of participants emphasized the need for museums to diversify revenue models beyond traditional philanthropy and grants to survive and remain relevant. -
Support for Policy Evolution
84% supported AAMD's 2022 deaccessioning rule change, citing the need to adapt to financial realities—especially for smaller institutions—while maintaining transparency and community engagement. -
Openness to Innovative Models
50% agreed that funds generated from economic participation in collections could support museums, with themes of equity, control, transparency, and mission alignment emerging as priorities. -
Sector Readiness for Change
70%+ of museum leaders expressed support for the core principles of maintaining curatorial control, public stewardship, and exploring innovative approaches to long-term financial stability. -
Reaccessioning Emerges: A framework allowing museums to generate sustainable capital while retaining 100% ownership, custody, and curatorial authority—without selling or removing art from collections
Research Period: 2022–2024
Research Partners: Francis O’Donnell, Guangyao Qin, Dr. Eleftheria Pissadaki, NYU School of Professional Studies
Participants: 32 museum professionals including directors, curators, and institutional leadership; 19 from AAMD-member institutions, 5 from universities.
Special Thanks: Ariana Hosseini, Xin Xin Ji, Thomas Moran, Amy Whitaker, The Vocal Lab, ReMuseum
NYU SPS 3P POP-UP PROJECT:
PARADIGM SHIFT FEASIBILITY STUDY
In partnership with NYU School of Professional Studies, a graduate consulting team conducted market research to validate the feasibility of Paradigm Shift's reaccessioning model. The study assessed investor interest, museum readiness, and identified critical success factors through surveys and institutional interviews.
Key Insights:
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33% of respondents showed openness to fractional cultural ownership, with investment appetite typically under $10,000
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Trust factors are paramount: Transparency, governance, and valuation clarity emerged as non-negotiable requirements for adoption
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Museums need sector endorsement: AAMD/AAM guidelines and clear regulatory frameworks (IRS/SEC/501(c)(3)) are essential before institutional participation
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Low awareness presents an opportunity: Art-finance education and impact-focused communication are critical to building understanding and trust
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Phased launch recommended: Three-phase implementation roadmap from legal foundation (0-6 months) to pilot launch with symbolic artwork (Year 1)
Research Period: December 2025
Research Partners: Niranjana Rau, Prem Bhuta, Himanshu Goyal, Vishwa Shah, NYU School of Professional Studies
Participants: 32 museum professionals including directors, curators, and institutional leadership; 19 from AAMD-member institutions, 5 from universities.
Special Thanks: Ariana Hosseini, Professor Raj Iyer, Dr. Steven Goss
Contact for research inquiries:
hello@paradigmshift.art
FAQs
Browse our complete frequently asked questions
Does this violate deaccessioning ethics?
No. You're not selling or removing art from the collection. We've consulted ethics experts to ensure alignment with AAM guidelines.
How is capital restricted?
It functions as a micro-endowment: principal is preserved, only investment returns are available for defined institutional priorities.
What if our financial situation changes?
The structure is designed for long-term stability, but includes provisions for changing circumstances.
Who makes decisions about the objects?
You do. Always. Curatorial authority never leaves the museum.