In Session: Artist Foundations in the 21st Century

This innovative symposium brings together thought leaders to discuss the impact of artist foundations in our changing world. The day-long program will examine practical aspects of running artist-led foundations and estates including the promotion of artist legacies through exhibitions and scholarship, as well as important new approaches to advocacy that embrace ambitious forms of philanthropy, community engagement and activism. RSVP here.

The symposium will conclude with a reception celebrating 150 Stories: Lives of the Artists at the League, a groundbreaking anthology published on the occasion of the Art Students League’s 150th anniversary.

Schedule
Coffee reception: 10–11am
Panel 1: Building Legacies—Establishing and Running Artist Foundations: 11am–1pm
Lunch: 1–2pm
Panel 2: Artist Foundations in the Expanded Field—Philanthropy, Engagement, Activism: 2–4pm
Champagne Reception & 150 Stories book launch: 4:30–6:30pm

Panel 1: Building Legacies–Establishing and Running Artist Foundations: 11am–1pm
This panel considers practical aspects of establishing and administering artist foundations including assembling catalogues raisonné and archives, overseeing dedicated exhibition and research spaces, developing relationships with museums and galleries, managing assets to ensure sustainability, and promoting artist legacies through interpretation and display.

Panelists: Daniel Belasco—Executive Director, The Al Held Foundation / Ellen Salpeter—Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, Judd Foundation / Francine Snyder–Director of Archives, The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation‍ / Maggie Wright—Director, The Easton Foundation & Louise Bourgeois Archive. Moderator: Phong Bui—Publisher and Artistic Director, The Brooklyn Rail.

Panel 2: Artist Foundations in the Expanded Field–Philanthropy, Engagement, Activism: 2–4pm
This panel examines the changing role of artist foundations in our contemporary context, including approaches to advocacy that exceed support for exhibitions and research to embrace various modes of philanthropy, community engagement, and activism, exploring how these approaches continue, compliment, and expand the legacies of their artist founders.

Panelists: Justin Brancato—Director of Archives and Deputy Director, The Roy Lichtenstein Foundation; Executive Director, The Toshiko Takaezu Foundation / Solana Chehtman—Director of Artist Programs, The Joan Mitchell Foundation / Mikiko Ino—President and Director, KinoSaito‍ / James Merle Thomas—Deputy Director, The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation. Moderator: Phong Bui—Publisher and Artistic Director, The Brooklyn Rail.

‍For bios and more information, see our website.

Champagne Reception & 150 Stories Book Launch‍: 4:30–6:30pm
RSVP here. Following the symposium, raise a glass with us at a reception marking the debut of 150 Stories: Lives of the Artists at the League.

This groundbreaking anthology features 150 artists who have studied or taught at the renowned art school since its founding in 1875, illuminating the broader artistic legacy of those who have passed through its studios. Unlike conventional institutional histories, 150 Stories is an artist-centered collection of essays by nearly 140 contributing scholars, critics, artists, and curators, that focuses on the often-overlooked period of early artistic formation, offering closely observed portraits of artists in development.

Embracing both well-known and non-canonical figures from across the spectrum of visual culture, the book brings to light the formative ideas, generative relationships, and creative inflection points that shape an artist’s path. Through original research and firsthand storytelling, contributors illuminate the personal and pedagogical forces that define artistic growth. In doing so, the anthology captures an informal oral history of teaching at the League—charting how methods, philosophies, and studio practices have been passed from artist to artist across generations.

Celebrate the launch of 150 Stories! Pick up your pre-ordered copy at the reception, or receive one with a gift of 250 USD or more. When you donate 250 USD or more you also join Friends of the League, and gain access to exclusive events, special perks, and a deeper connection to our creative community. Learn more at here.