Section 20. (a) As used in this section, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:—

''Historical artifact'', an object commemorating, representing or having specific ties to a significant historical event or era in the history of the commonwealth; provided, however, that ''historical artifact'' shall not include flags under the care of the superintendent of the state house under section 17A of chapter 8.

''Work of art'', (i) a portrait or other memorial procured under section 19 or 19A of chapter 8; and (ii) a painting, portrait, mural decoration, stained glass, statue, bas-relief, ornament, fountain or other article or structure of a permanent character intended for decoration or commemoration.

(b) There shall be an art commission for the state house consisting of 7 members, 3 of whom shall be appointed by the governor, 2 of whom shall be appointed by the senate president and 2 of whom shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. All of the members shall be residents of the commonwealth qualified by training and experience in public art, museum collections or historic preservation. Commission members shall serve for 5–year terms without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for travel and other expenses necessary for the performance of their duties, as approved by the superintendent of the state house and paid for from the State House Special Event Fund, established in section 35P of chapter 10. The commission may adopt its own rules and elect officers from its own members as may be considered proper.

(c) The governor shall appoint a state house curator from among candidates recommended by the commission. The curator shall be qualified by training and experience in historic preservation and art collections management, care and conservation. The curator shall report to the superintendent of the state house and the commission and shall be responsible for the curatorial, registrarial and administrative duties associated with both the day-to-day oversight of the state house art and artifact collection and the historic preservation of the state house.

(d) The commission shall have the custody and care of all works of art and historical artifacts in the state house art collection, including those inside the state house, on its grounds, on display and in storage. The commission shall oversee the care of such works of art and historical artifacts according to the codes of ethics and standards for practice established by the American Alliance of Museums and the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.

The commission shall oversee the handling and display of works of art and historical artifacts in public areas and private offices; provided, however, that the commission shall not place in or remove from any space in the state house assigned to the general court any such works of art or historical artifacts without the approval of the committees on rules of the 2 branches, acting concurrently.

(e) The commission shall serve as an advisor to the governor and general court on all artistic matters at the state house, including the historic preservation of the building.

(f) The commission shall direct the process of acquisitions to the state house art collection, from review of all plans to the final approval of completed art works. The art commission shall be advised of any proposal relative to the permanent addition of works of art or historical artifacts to the state house art collection and shall submit its opinion regarding the appropriateness of proposed art work to the governor prior to the approval required under section 21 of chapter 8.

(g) The commission shall review and approve any plan or design relative to the creation, acquisition, construction, erection or remodeling of any work of art in the state house. The commission may consult with sponsors and donors to revise and refine the plans and designs. The commission shall give its final approval upon the arrival of the work of art to the state house. The commission shall file with the governor, within 30 days after submission of a plan or design, its opinion of the proposed work of art together with any suggestions and recommendations as it may consider proper.

(h) The commission may receive grants, gifts, bequests and other contributions for maintenance, restoration and acquisition of works of art and historical artifacts. The funds shall be received by the state treasurer on behalf of the commonwealth and deposited in a special trust account and may be expended, without further appropriation, under the direction of the superintendent and the commission. The special trust account shall be subject to audit by the state auditor under section 12 of chapter 11.