Debate in the Art World (again)
This article from Philanthropy News Digest caught my eye. The issue is that in a poor economy, non-profits are all worried about a decrease in donations and gifts. With a step like Broad’s, its causing museums to really worry.
Eli Broad’s Decision to Keep Art in Foundation Stirs Debate in Art World
Eli Broad’s announcement that he will leave his vast collection of contemporary art to one of his foundations rather than donating it to a museum has provoked debate in the art world about the implications of his decision, the New York Times reports.
Broad, who announced the decision in January, has said he hopes other collectors will follow his example, which he regards as being in the best interests of the public. “I think it’s a new model that makes sense for other collections,” he said. “If it was up to me, I believe that museums ought to own works jointly.”
Such sentiment borders on heresy among museum officials, who devote lavish attention to collectors like Broad in the hope of securing donations of art to enhance their own institutions’ collections and prestige. Indeed, as art prices have soared, straining acquisitions budgets, gifts of artwork have become even more precious, with some museum officials worrying that Broad’s decision could set a precedent for other collectors and potential donors. “What I worry about is that it will inspire a movement that will impact gifts to institutions over time,” said Olga Viso, director of the Minneapolis-based Walker Art Center.
While a few collectors — among them Glenn Fuhrman, founder of the Flag Art Foundation — are loaning their collections in a manner similar to Broad, fears that Broad’s decision could start a trend may be unfounded. The fact that Broad already has a foundation helps explain his decision, said Margaret J. Wyszomirski, director of the graduate arts policy and administration program at Ohio State University. “Any decision to break up the collection or donate all or some of it to a specific museum could be seen as undermining the mission of the foundation,” said Wyszomirski. “For that reason, the Broad case might be less of a general harbinger than an idiosyncratic instance.”
Some arts management experts note that Broad’s decision, while eye-opening, is really just one in a series of challenges faced by museum directors over the past several years. The real issue underlying the debate over Broad’s decision is whether such moves are better for the public, said Andras Szanto, a writer and consultant who teaches at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. “There may be sore feelings about it, but the possibility is that most of this art will be seen rather than warehoused, and that is a good thing.”
If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader or email.
Subscribe to RSS
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment