Understanding Australian Immunity from Seizure

Upcoming Art Gallery of NSW Seminar

Recently the Australian Federal Government passed legislation (the Protection of Cultural Objects on Loan Act 2013) that allows approved museums to provide immunity for international loans of cultural material. This exciting policy opens up a broad range of legal protection for museums engaged in sourcing international exhibitions. Importantly, it also brings Australia in line with the law of other countries.

The Art Gallery of NSW has invited Professor Norman Palmer QC to present a three-hour seminar to assist museum directors, senior managers, curators and registrars negotiating international loans requiring immunity from seizure. Professor Palmer will provide information on the scope and nature of this new legal protection and will address the provision for the immunity from seizure, immunity from suit, and exclusions to immunity cover.

Since 2009 Professor Palmer has been the advisor to the Gallery on the introduction of Australian federal legislation granting immunity from seizure to cultural objects on loan. He is well known to Australian museums for his work on arts law, including the restitution and mobility of art and antiquities; the drafting of art loan agreements; personal property law, including bailment, carriage, chattel securities and sale of goods; and conversion and title claims.

Details of the seminar:

Date/time: Wednesday 24 April 2013, 1-4:30pm

Venue: Centenary Auditoriaum, Art Gallery of NSW

Cost: $50 booking essential

For bookings see Art Gallery NSW Immunity seminar.