Reading Room Document

Indemnification of Dresden Exhibit by the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities

This document discusses a dispute over the interpretation of the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act, specifically regarding the proposed indemnification of a planned East German exhibit called “The Splendor of Dresden.” The main question is whether the Council has the statutory authority to enter into the agreement as it stands, which would only cover a portion of the total value of the exhibit. The conclusion reached in the document is that the Council does have the authority to enter into the proposed indemnification agreement, as it falls within the broad powers granted to the Council under the Act. The proposed agreement is seen as beneficial to all parties involved, with no realistic possibility of loss to any concerned party.

February 9, 1978