Observe · Regulate · Protect — since 2007. 19th OIMAP General Assembly: Singapore, 10–12 June 2026. Programme
Activities

Propose an exhibition

How to submit an exhibition project: criteria, application file, review committee, timetable and partners' commitments.

Updated : October 28, 2026· 3 min read

One project, one file

Nini in the Garden (Nini Lopez), Auguste Renoir (1876)
Nini in the Garden (Nini Lopez), Auguste Renoir (1876)

Any museum, university, Member State or association may propose an exhibition project related to OIMAP's missions: heritage protection, the fight against trafficking, authentication, restitution or the history of the art market. Proposals are reviewed once a year.

The file is submitted online from the Desk. A scientific committee assesses it on its interest, its feasibility and its consistency with the Organization's direction.

This page details the criteria, the documents to provide, the timetable and the commitments.

  • Project
  • Application file
  • Committee

Proposing an exhibition in figures

1Review session per year
9Committee members (indicative)
60 daysResponse time (indicative)
2Projects selected per year (indicative)

Source: Events and Communications Directorate.

Breakdown

Feasibility30%
Scientific interest30%
Accessibility20%
Funding20%

Evaluation criteria (indicative).

Who may propose

Member States, museums, universities, foundations and recognised associations may submit a project. An individual project leader must be supported by a sponsoring institution.

Projects may be led jointly by several partners, which is encouraged when they involve several countries.

The Four Seasons, Kano Tan’yū (1668)
The Four Seasons, Kano Tan’yū (1668)
Bull Head Attachment (c. 700–600 BCE)
Bull Head Attachment (c. 700–600 BCE)
Edge of the Woods Near L'Hermitage, Pontoise, Camille Pissarro (1879)
Edge of the Woods Near L'Hermitage, Pontoise, Camille Pissarro (1879)

Preparing the file

The file includes a two-page statement of intent, a synopsis of the visitor route, an indicative list of works, a budget, a timetable and the lenders' letters of commitment. Works whose provenance is not documented are excluded.

A template is available in the useful documents on this page. The file may be written in French, English or Spanish.

The committee's review

The scientific committee reviews files in plenary session. It may request additional information, hear the project leader or propose a reorientation. It assesses the quality of the proposal, the rigour of the documentation and the educational value.

The decision is notified within 60 days (indicative). It is reasoned, including in the event of refusal, so as to allow a new application.

Funding and sharing of roles

OIMAP may cover all or part of the exhibition design, transport and insurance depending on the year's budget. The project leader contributes through the loan of works, research and hosting.

A co-production agreement specifies rights over the content, credits and the dissemination schedule.

Timetable of a proposal (indicative)

From submission to production
StagePeriodResponsible body
SubmissionBefore 31 MarchProject leader
ReviewApril – MayCommittee
NotificationJuneEvents Directorate
ProductionJuly – DecemberProject leader and OIMAP

Milestones

  1. Submission deadline

    Online file.

  2. Hearing

    If necessary.

  3. Notification

    Reasoned decision.

  4. Opening

    Exhibition of the following year.

Documented provenance

Still Life with Vegetables, Partridge, and a Jug, Adolphe-Félix Cals (1858)
Still Life with Vegetables, Partridge, and a Jug, Adolphe-Félix Cals (1858)
Panel (c. 1780–1840)
Panel (c. 1780–1840)
Offering Table (305–30 BCE)
Offering Table (305–30 BCE)

Single project or co-production

Lace Towel End (c. 1700s–1800s)

Single project

A project leader
  • Quick decisions
  • Sole responsibility
  • Limited resources

For a modest-sized exhibition.

Scenes of Witchcraft: Morning, Salvator Rosa (c. 1645–49)

Co-production

Several partners
  • Shared resources
  • Wider network
  • Heavier coordination

For a touring project.

Submitting a file

  1. Frame

    The subject.

  2. Gather

    The lenders.

  3. Write

    Statement and budget.

  4. Submit

    Online.

  5. Defend

    Possible hearing.

Documents in the file

A curator

Bidri Hookah Bowl with Roses (c. 1650s)
« The committee asked demanding questions about provenance. They improved our project. »
Léa Fontaine, curator, Lyon

Vocabulary of the file

Statement of intent
Short presentation of the project.
Synopsis
Plan of the route.
Co-production
Production by several partners.
Curator
Scientific lead.

After selection

A curator is appointed to support the project. A production timetable is set: texts, visuals, insurance, packing. Regular progress meetings make it possible to correct deviations quickly.

The opening is prepared with the Events Directorate and the press, with a file and a press release approved by all parties.

Frequently asked questions

When should I submit?

Before 31 March.

In which language?

French, English or Spanish.

Are there application fees?

No.

Where can I see current exhibitions?

Useful documents

Contacts

The Grotto of Posillipo, Hubert Robert (c. 1769)
The Grotto of Posillipo, Hubert Robert (c. 1769)
Events and Communications DirectorateParis — Headquarters+33 1 00 00 07 00evenements@oimap.exampleMonday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

See what is now showing

Figure from a Crèche: Standing Mountain Goat (1780–1830)

Current programme.

On show
Image credits (17)
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