September 11, 2023 “You Have to Actually Change.” A Major Theater Funder's Quest to Diversify Its Decision-Making September 11, 2023/ Mike Scutari 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.Read More
August 29, 2023 Righting the World: How Five Globally Bestselling Authors Give August 29, 2023/ Liz Longley 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.Read More
August 21, 2023 Art for Social Change: An Arts Funder's Journey to More Fully Embrace Its Social Justice Mission August 21, 2023/ Mike Scutari 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.Read More
July 27, 2023 Backed by a Big Fortune, This Foundation Is Supporting Small Rural Communities in the West July 27, 2023/ Martha Ramirez 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.Read More
July 12, 2023 Promoting Jewish Culture Through the Arts in Boston and Beyond July 12, 2023/ Wendy Paris 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.Read More
June 28, 2023 “The Privilege to Take Risks.” Alberto Ibargüen Reflects on His Tenure at the Knight Foundation June 28, 2023/ Mike Scutari 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.Read More
June 26, 2023 Six Questions for Lu Zhang, New Executive Director of A Blade of Grass June 26, 2023/ Mike Scutari 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.Read More
June 22, 2023 Six Years and $125 Million Later, Art for Justice Takes a Final Bow June 22, 2023/ Dawn Wolfe 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.Read More
June 15, 2023 “Be Open to Evolving.” How a Regional Arts Funder Centered Equity, Increased Payout, and More June 15, 2023/ Mike Scutari 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.Read More
June 13, 2023 “Equity, Accessibility, Social Justice.” A Closer Look at Western States Arts Federation June 13, 2023/ Mike Scutari 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.Read More
June 12, 2023 These Fellowships for Latinx Artists Are a Bright Spot Amid Pervasive Underfunding June 12, 2023/ Dawn Wolfe 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.Read More
June 01, 2023 Art is for Everybody: Keith Haring’s Artistic and Philanthropic Legacy Lives on at the Broad June 01, 2023/ Wendy Paris 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. Read More
April 26, 2023 This L.A. Collaborative Is Strengthening the Local Arts Scene and Challenging Funding Norms April 26, 2023/ Wendy Paris 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.Read More
March 16, 2023 A Pittsburgh Funding Initiative Targets Racial Inequities in the Area’s Arts Scene March 16, 2023/ Dawn Wolfe 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.Read More
February 22, 2023 Why Mellon Is Boosting Art That Confronts the Criminal Justice System February 22, 2023/ Dawn Wolfe The leading funder of the humanities committed $125 million to lift up the artistic voices of those directly impacted by American legal system. It’s a big influx of cash for this field, and one that Mellon hopes will have broad impacts. Read More
February 01, 2023 Seven Questions for Cate Fox, Director of the Center for Cultural Innovation's AmbitioUS Program February 01, 2023/ Mike Scutari Cate Fox, formerly of MacArthur, leads AmbitioUS, which invests in alternative economic models for creative communities. We chatted with her about her work, the limits of philanthropy’s self-examination, and more.Read More
January 26, 2023 Older Americans Rarely Have Access to Arts Education. This Funder is Working to Change That January 26, 2023/ Mike Scutari Philanthropist Ellen Michelson has been a tireless proponent of “creative aging,” an arts education program model geared toward individuals 55 and over. We check in with her about the field, her work with museums, and more.Read More
December 13, 2022 Backed by a Huge Bequest, a New Arts Funder’s Grantmaking Strategy Begins to Takes Shape December 13, 2022/ Mike Scutari The Ruth Foundation for the Arts has made a big splash in the arts world thanks to its penchant for flexible funding and a $440 endowment. We check in with executive director Karen Patterson on the foundation’s inaugural year.Read More
December 02, 2022 A Conversation with Jeffreen Hayes, Executive Director of Chicago-Based Arts Funder Threewalls December 02, 2022/ Mike Scutari Dr. Jeffreen Hayes heads the Chicago-based arts organization and grantmaker Threewalls. We chatted with her to discuss her career trajectory, why she’s optimistic about the state of philanthropy, and more.Read More
December 01, 2022 As Shelling Continues in Ukraine, an Arts Funder Backs Efforts to Preserve its Cultural Heritage December 01, 2022/ Liz Longley Although international law forbids it, destruction of sites with cultural significance is common during war. In Ukraine, hundreds of such places have been damaged. Getty recently backed an effort to protect the nation’s heritage.Read More