Helping museums modernise loan agreements, build staff confidence, and expand access to art
We’re excited to share the news with you: through the Art Bridges Cohort Program, the Ki Futures Accessible Loans Program has officially launched – with Articheck as technology partner!
This new initiative is designed to make museum lending more accessible, equitable and sustainable. Developed by Ki Futures in collaboration with Art Bridges and powered by Articheck, the program supports museums in updating loan practices so that artwork can be shared more widely – without compromising on collections care.
As the program’s technology partner, Articheck is proud to provide participants with both custom-built loan management tools and hands-on guidance to integrate digital solutions into their new lending workflows.
Caitlin Southwick (Ki Founder) and Kristi Dane (Director of Cohorts, Art Bridges Foundation) visit participants from Delaware Art Museum and American Folk Art Museum as they embark on new art-sharing partnerships and more accessible ways of working. Photos: Caitlin Southwick, February 2026.
Removing barriers to loans
95% of museum collections are kept in storage*, and prescriptive loan agreements create obstacles to art access. Lending is often constrained by rigid, legacy requirements – particularly around temperature, relative humidity, and couriering – that are not aligned with current conservation science or real-world museum conditions.
The Accessible Loans Program addresses these challenges by working with museums to rethink how loan agreements are structured, negotiated, and executed. The program empowers museums to be able to say yes to loans – and to a more open, collaborative, and sustainable future.
* RE-ORG Reorganization of Museum Storage, ICCROM-UNESCO
“It is well known that loan agreements are one of the biggest barriers to access in our field. This program helps museums by updating documentation, workflows, and creating confidence – so that lending becomes possible, practical, and sustainable, not exclusive.”
Caitlin Southwick, Founder of Ki Futures
Loans made easy with Articheck
During the seven-month program, participants receive structured training, coaching, peer learning, and guidance from experts across the field. They also gain full access to the Articheck platform, including new loan management tools developed specifically for the program.
In Articheck, users can:
- List artworks that are available for loan
- Browse and search loanable objects from other museums
- Request, approve, and decline loans
- Create digital condition reports and checks before, during, and after loans
- Oversee shipments remotely, including virtual couriering
“Accessible loans aren’t just about policy – they’re about systems that can actually support new ways of working.”
Annika Erikson, Articheck Founder and CEO
By harnessing custom-built tools and collaborating in one secure digital platform, loan partners can streamline lending workflows, reduce risk, and cut administrative burden.
The program’s collaborative approach to training and technology helps museums rethink loan practices and offers a new methodology to support museums in transforming their workflows.
Articheck condition report displayed in the iOS app, combining object data, images, and video in a single mobile workflow.
Become part of the Ki Futures Accessible Loans Program
US museums can participate as part of the Art Bridges Cohort Program – which fully funds participation in the Ki Futures Accessible Loans Program, Articheck subscriptions, and supports additional art-sharing costs.
Museums outside the US can inquire directly through Ki Futures.
The first wave of museums to take part have just started their journey. Meet the participants and celebrate their achievements with us over on Instagram and Linkedin. We’ll be sharing many important milestones as the program progresses so do follow along to keep up to date and see how these thought leaders are changing the game!
Applications for the next wave of US participants are open now until 1 June 2026!
For more information about the program, its methodology, and how to apply, visit: kifutures.com/programs/accessible-loans/
