Arts & Community
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Key Trends to Watch in Native American Arts Giving
Giving for Native artists and organizations constitutes a unique segment of the arts funding ecosystem. Prominent funding leaders tell us about the state of the field.
Starving in Plain Sight: Survey Shows Black Literary Arts Nonprofits Ignored by Funders
Poetry nonprofit Cave Canem’s final report won’t be fully released until February, but early figures released to IP show this important corner of the arts sector has been overlooked.
Patrons, Playwrights and More: Five Notable Arts Philanthropies Founded by People of Color
Arts-focused funding vehicles established by people of color account for a small but important and varied segment of a sprawling arts ecosystem. Here are five of them to watch.
At a Critical Time, This Foundation’s Providing Fresh Support for Muslim Creatives
The Doris Duke Foundation’s Building Bridges Program has sought to create a more inclusive society since 2007. We connected with director Zeyba Rahman to learn more about how its support for U.S. Muslim creatives is evolving.
A Year and a Half After Its Founder’s Passing, Robertson’s Green Program Looks Abroad
Now led by Julian Robertson’s heirs, the foundation has overhauled its environmental strategy to put money directly in the hands of local organizations outside the U.S.
The Wallace Foundation Invested $52 Million in Audience Engagement. What Did It Learn?
Through its five-year Building Audiences for Sustainability initiative, Wallace dug deep into the question of how arts organizations can grow their reach and revenue. A new report offers some key findings.
A Conversation with Anne Kraybill, New CEO of the Art Bridges Foundation
Preeminent arts philanthropist Alice Walton established the Art Bridges Foundation to expand access to American art. New foundation head Anne Kraybill walks us through Art Bridges’ work, how she got there, and more.
With a New Arts Initiative, Gilbert Family Foundation Expands its Philanthropic Footprint in Detroit
Billionaire Dan Gilbert has an outsized role in his home city of Detroit, including far-reaching philanthropy. A new program focuses on BIPOC artists as part of his foundation’s revitalization efforts.
How Getty’s Bringing Curators Together After the Disruption of COVID
As its seven-year funding initiative for curators of prints and drawings comes to a close, the Getty Foundation is going “all-in” on in-person professional learning and community development.
A Massive Bequest Powers Participatory Giving: What’s New with the Ruth Foundation for the Arts?
Backed by $440 million from its late founder in 2022, the Ruth Foundation for the Arts takes a “nonhierarchical” approach that puts funding power into artists’ hands. Two years on, it’s hitting its stride.
Grand Finale: A Family Foundation Focused on Free Concerts Announces its Spend Down
The Levitt Foundation has a unique focus on creating music performance spaces as a way to support communities nationwide. The family recently announced it would spend down to boost its impact.
“This is Just the Beginning.” Digging into Meow Wolf Foundation’s Inaugural Round of Grants
This year, Santa Fe-based arts and entertainment company Meow Wolf launched a new foundation. We get a status report from Executive Director Julie Heinrich on the heels of its first foray into grantmaking.
Lieutenant Dan: A Close Look at Actor Gary Sinise’s Longstanding Support for Veterans
Known in part for his role as platoon leader Lt. Dan Taylor in “Forrest Gump,” the actor has been engaged in veterans-focused giving for decades. We connected with Sinise to get the inside story.
“A Massive Problem to Solve.” How Can Museums Engage Next-Generation Donors?
As the largest wealth transfer in history takes place, fundraising trends don’t look so good for the arts. Sector stakeholders are trying to figure out how museums can better cultivate a rising generation of heirs.
Why This Billionaire Investor Was Moved to Give “Songs of Love” to Sick Kids
Songs of Love connects children facing serious health conditions with musicians who compose original songs for them. We talked with Leon Cooperman about why he backs the organization, and his wider philanthropy.
“You Have to Actually Change.” A Major Theater Funder’s Quest to Diversify Its Decision-Making
The New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Theater Project has evolved significantly over the last 10 years. We walk through some key takeaways from a report on its work with program director Quita Sullivan.
Righting the World: How Five Globally Bestselling Authors Give
While writers don’t often make it into the ranks of the very rich, these bestselling authors have engaged in some substantial philanthropy. Their giving varies widely, but they do share some interests in common.
Art for Social Change: An Arts Funder’s Journey to More Fully Embrace Its Social Justice Mission
Philadelphia’s Leeway Foundation supports women, trans and/or gender-nonconforming artists focused on social change. Executive Director Denise Brown walks us through its evolution, key grantmaking programs and more.
Backed by a Big Fortune, This Foundation Is Supporting Small Rural Communities in the West
The foundation of Edward Jaramillo and Amy Wyss, daughter of billionaire donor Hansjörg Wyss, gives in several small communities across the Mountain West. The funder prides itself on accessibility and a fast process.
Promoting Jewish Culture Through the Arts in Boston and Beyond
Jewish Arts Collaborative is a unique, creative organization sharing Jewish culture in Boston and beyond. The donors and local leaders behind it explain how the effort got off the ground and what makes it so special.
“The Privilege to Take Risks.” Alberto Ibargüen Reflects on His Tenure at the Knight Foundation
After 18 years, Ibargüen announced he would step down as head of this influential media funder. In a wide-ranging conversation, we discuss his career trajectory, philanthropy’s role in society, and much more.
Six Questions for Lu Zhang, New Executive Director of A Blade of Grass
A Blade of Grass backs artists whose work advances social change. We checked in with new executive director Lu Zhang to discuss her career trajectory, key priorities in her new role and more.
Six Years and $125 Million Later, Art for Justice Takes a Final Bow
Agnes Gund’s Art for Justice channeled a large chunk of money toward artists and activists focused on the carceral system. The fund is now winding down, but it made a big impact in a short time.
“Be Open to Evolving.” How a Regional Arts Funder Centered Equity, Increased Payout, and More
Denver’s Bonfils-Stanton Foundation made a lot of changes amid the tumult of 2020, but leaders knew there was more work to be done. President and CEO Gary Steuer walks us through the foundation’s ongoing evolution.
“Equity, Accessibility, Social Justice.” A Closer Look at Western States Arts Federation
This regional grantmaker works to strengthen arts ecosystems in Western states and Pacific territories. We dig into its combination of funding and advocacy, how it’s using a big MacKenzie Scott grant, and more.
These Fellowships for Latinx Artists Are a Bright Spot Amid Pervasive Underfunding
The U.S. Latinx Art Forum administers art fellowships with support from Ford and Mellon. Here’s more on the awards, why the forum uses the term “Latinx,” and the impact of unrestricted support on artists struggling to pay the bills.
Art is for Everybody: Keith Haring’s Artistic and Philanthropic Legacy Lives on at the Broad
Keith Haring remains a powerful force in contemporary art, long after his passing in 1990. He was also an influential activist and philanthropist. A new exhibit in Los Angeles explores Haring’s art and lasting impact.
This L.A. Collaborative Is Strengthening the Local Arts Scene and Challenging Funding Norms
The Los Angeles Visual Arts Coalition (LAVA) is allowing smaller, avant-garde arts organizations to fundraise collaboratively, making the community more resilient and offering fresh opportunities to funders.
A Pittsburgh Funding Initiative Targets Racial Inequities in the Area’s Arts Scene
BIPOC artists have historically received just a sliver of grantmaking in Pittsburgh. National and local foundations are partnering to move unrestricted funds to the city’s Black-led arts organizations.
