Archive

A curated repository—physical, digital, or distributed—organized for the storage, preservation, documentation, and retrieval of artworks, related records, and provenance information; characterized by active appraisal, metadata standards, accessioning procedures, and defined access and custodial policies.

A repository and program that collects, appraises, arranges (often preserving original order), preserves and provides access to primary source records and historical materials created by individuals, organizations or communities, with attention to provenance, authenticity, and long‑term preservation policies and access restrictions.