Nashville’s Frist Center could get to house an art collection owned by Fisk University that another museum is willing to pay millions of dollars for. Tennessee’s Attorney General has proposed that the Frist take over the Stieglitz Collection until Fisk gets its financial house in order.

Fisk has been working for years to sell part of its art collection as a way to replenish a dwindling endowment, but courts have continued to block any deal. Last month, a judge asked for alternative proposals.

Attorney General Bob Cooper’s plan released today would have the Frist Center take temporary custody of the art. The Frist wouldn’t pay anything to Fisk, but the museum would be responsible for upkeep, Cooper says.

“Fisk would be relieved of all the costs of maintaining and exhibiting the collection, as well as any costs needed for the significant preservation work.”

To say the least, Fisk is unhappy with the deal, calling it “an outrageous theft” in a statement to the media.

In court, Fisk President Hazel O’Leary said the school might be forced to close if it doesn’t get a large infusion of cash. With the Attorney General’s new proposal, O’Leary says the state has decided “the art is more important than Fisk.”