Artifact Loans
Purpose & Availability: We loan selected artefacts for exhibitions and pop-ups to support education and research in Sikh and Panjabi heritage. Loans are available in Singapore by default; international loans are considered case-by-case. Availability is on request.
Eligibility & Loan Periods: Eligible borrowers are institutions and vetted partners. Standard loan periods are 3, 6, or 12 months. Shorter pop-up loans are possible where the venue and schedule suit our care requirements.
Costs, Insurance & Deposits: Borrowers cover all direct costs, including packing, transport, handling, installation, and courier services. Nail-to-nail insurance for the full loan period is mandatory. A banker’s guarantee or a cash security deposit is required; figures are set per item and remain confidential.
Care & Display Standards: Care and display standards are non-negotiable. Temperature 18–24°C, relative humidity 45–55%, and low UV. All items must be displayed in enclosed cases or vitrines. If cases are opened for inspection, coins must be re-sealed by NGC. Sealing of artworks is handled only by Singapore-museum-authorised art galleries.
Security Requirements: Security must meet Singapore art-gallery norms. Air-conditioned spaces, controlled lighting, and appropriate security are expected. At minimum, 24/7 monitored alarms and secured cases or staffed galleries.
Transport & Couriers: All transport uses insured fine-art couriers. Standard postal services are not acceptable for loaned artefacts.
Paperwork & Cancellations: Loan paperwork includes a Loan Agreement and Condition Reports at dispatch and return with photo documentation. Values appear on paperwork for insurance only and are not for public display. Once the loan lease is signed, refunds are not offered; the borrower bears actual incurred costs after packing commences.
Permits & Customs: Borrowers handle all export and import permits, customs certification, and related fees. Required documentation must be provided before collection.
Enquiry & Response: To request a loan, send an enquiry with institution or company name, country, contact person, email, contact number, recommended by (if any), proposed dates, venue and address, display conditions, and purpose or deadlines. We respond Monday to Friday, 9:00–17:00 SGT, and aim to reply within two business days. Messages may be monitored after hours; replies are not guaranteed.
Process snapshot (Enquiry → Review → Paperwork → Packing & Courier → Installation → Return).
Who can borrow from us?
Museums, galleries, libraries, universities, cultural organisations, and vetted partners with appropriate facilities and staffing.
Do we loan internationally?
Yes, by exception. The borrower must manage permits, customs, insurance, and specialised couriers to our standards.
How long is a typical loan?
3, 6, or 12 months. Shorter pop-up loans can be arranged if all care and security requirements are met.
Are there fees published online?
We do not publish figures. The borrower covers all direct costs. Insurance values and any security deposits are set per item and recorded confidentially in the paperwork.
Can items be shown in open display?
No. Enclosed cases or vitrines are required. If inspection requires opening a case, coins must be re-sealed by NGC. Artwork sealing is managed only by Singapore-museum-authorised art galleries.
Can we use images for marketing?
We can share approved low-resolution reference images for planning. Public use requires written approval. Commercial image licensing is not offered at launch.
Do we publish a loan calendar?
No. Availability is on request.
What happens if plans change after signing?
Once the loan lease is signed, refunds are not offered. The borrower covers any actual costs incurred after packing starts.