Philanthropy 2013
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PHILANTHROPY 2013 1 from The Division of insTiTuTional AdvancemenT The Sky Is the Limit Greetings, These last months of 2013 are significant on two us attract both students and learned scholars to Cleveland major related fronts. First, November marks National to study, train, write, and share. Philanthropy Month, a time to shine the spotlight on the Philanthropy has many motivators, each highly countless individuals and organizations making selfless personal: an appreciation of the creative spark, a spirit of contributions of time and dollars to nonprofits, including entrepreneurship, a dedication to family, a sense of respon- our museum. This special magazine is dedicated to that sibility, respect for a longstanding tradition, a yearning for The annual Founders Society dinner is an opportunity The museum’s recent acquisition of Apollo—one spirit of philanthropy. community, a commitment to education, and many, many to acknowledge the museum’s most dedicated advocates of if not the most important work of classical sculpture Second, with the museum now on the cusp of a new more. No matter the impetus, the impact and importance for their annual contributions and their unwavering to be acquired by a North American art museum in a age, we approach our “inaugural year” 2014 rejuvenated of philanthropy at the museum are far-reaching and vast. belief in the museum. Held September 10 in the Ames century—makes a strong statement about our approach and reinvigorated. Forever linked to our transformation In this publication and throughout the year, we salute the Family Atrium, the evening’s program, excerpted here, to collecting: acquire something that supersedes what are the hundreds of donors and volunteers whose thought- thousands of supporters whose generosity fuels an organi- reflected on the museum’s amazing accomplishments of is already on display. This is not about expanding the fulness, hard work, and support fueled the massive project zation with a sphere of influence both local and interna- the past decade, and even more important, the promise collection for the sake of expansion. It’s about redefining through planning, implementation, and now, completion. tional. So how does philanthropy translate into real terms and potential of the museum’s future through its con- the collection for the sake of excellence. We are especially pleased to spotlight several donors at the Cleveland Museum of Art? It means . tinued dedication to unparalleled scholarship and the Older works in particular often raise issues of prov- who are helping the museum advance its role as a class- exemplary quality of our collection. Included also is a enance, the chain of ownership through the years to the Constantly refining our esteemed collection by adding room of the world. The recent announcement of our thriving special recognition of a number of outstanding donors present day. The museum respects chains of custody only works of the very highest caliber. partnership with Case Western Reserve University result- as well as the announcement of an extraordinary new and valid national claims, and must certainly adhere to ing in the new Nancy and Joseph Keithley Institute for Art Reaching more than a half-million visitors annually, plus initiative in art history pairing the museum and Case UNESCO guidelines, but a work of art belongs to hu- History is a perfect example of what can be accomplished thousands of others beyond the museum’s walls, with Western Reserve University. manity. Art can’t take care of itself, and that is why the through philanthropy. The article at right illustrates how programmatic and experiential offerings for every age. best interests of ancient art are best served in museums this groundbreaking gift, along with those of Leigh Carter, with a commitment to scholarship, conservation, and Using state-of-the-art digital tools to enhance and the Nord Family Fund, the Degenfelders, the Pollocks, public display—museums like the Cleveland Museum interpret the authentic experience. Robert Madison, and the H. C. S. Foundation, are helping of Art. Helping to create vibrant neighborhoods, using the arts to spur economic development, and uniting people through a he last decade of building and renovation was certainly common passion. about the new atrium and new galleries. But it was Meticulously caring for objects for generations to come. also about buttressing the foundation of greatness upon Twhich this museum is built. It was about reviving a Building an endowment to safeguard this local and inter- spirit, recapturing the past, and redefining the future. national resource for our children and theirs. Three years ago, the museum outlined a four-part Convening those who can inspire and encourage dis- vision: continually refining the collection; reimagining course and innovation as partners and collaborators. the physical space as a house for the muses; engaging the community—seeing the museum as a bridge, not a tower; Completing a physical space that matches the beauty and and reasserting strength in scholarship. In sum: moving endurance of our timeless treasures. the museum toward a second century in which we estab- And, of course, it means guaranteeing that the museum lish ourselves truly as an “American Alexandria.” embraces all people with open arms, forever. Of course, just as Alexandria solidified its status as a crossroads of art and culture on the strength of Our great museum sits at a unique moment of prom- its location as central to commerce, so too must we ise and possibility, an opportune time to reflect on the build our vision for the museum from a position of eco- meaning of giving and all it has made possible. The high- nomic strength. Fundraising is at its highest level since est spirit of giving is alive and well at the CMA, and we 2007—21,000 gifts totaling nearly $39 million from thank you for all you have done and will help us to be. Honored Guest all sources—a more than 100% increase; our budget is The bronze statue in balance for the third consecutive year, and we have Sincerely, of Apollo attrib- maintained a AA+ bond rating; attendance in the fiscal uted to the ancient year ending June 30 exceeded 500,000 for the first time Greek sculptor since 2002; the combined endowments and trusts now Praxiteles presided stand at more than $700 million. These numbers speak August A. Napoli Jr. over the atrium at the Founders to a revived spirit. Deputy Director and Chief Advancement Officer Society Dinner in © JENNIE JONES PHOTOGRAPHY September. 2 3 SYNErgY IN THE CIRCLE We speak often about the remarkable opportunities for short of transformative, and we are inspired by the synergy that exist among the institutions of University wisdom and passion of these two donors. Circle. Case Western Reserve’s many initiatives with the We thank the Keithleys for their generosity, vision, and Cleveland Museum of Art represent some of the finest commitment to collaboration. They are creating a legacy examples of ways we translate that talk . into action. of learning and scholarship whose impact will be felt for Right Julia and The Keithley Institute will not only support the teaching generations to come. Larry Pollock, and research involved in our innovative doctoral program, supporting the —Case Western Reserve but also provide resources for our undergraduates, public focus gallery University President programs, shared publications, and more. It is nothing Barbara R. Snyder Far right Bill Conway, Monte There are five announcements that bring the vision tiative that capitalizes on our longtime collaborations as Ahuja, and board of creating a new American Alexandria right here in well as our strengths in scholarship, curatorship, conser- advisory chair Cleveland and further enhance and advance our com- vation, and education. Nancy Keithley is a trustee of the Alfred M. Rankin Jr. mitment to scholarship. Cleveland Museum of Art and her husband, Joseph, is Architect Robert Madison has created a fund to a trustee of CWRU. Together they have committed $15 support an annual lecture in African and African Amer- million, through the Nancy and Joseph Keithley Fund ican art. This is the museum’s second endowed lecture at the Cleveland Foundation, to establish the Nancy and (joining the annual Dr. John and Helen Collis lecture Joseph Keithley Institute for Art History, a collaborative focusing on Greek and Byzantine art) and will allow us new program aimed at training the museum profession- to pursue scholarship in an area previously underserved als of the future. The museum looks forward to working The CMA is a vigorous presence in acquisitions As the museum brings in the community, we also in our museum (story on page 8). closely with the university to make this a world-class in every category, so long as those objects are of reach out. We’re proud that between school tours and Trustee Julia Pollock and her husband, Larry, have program that attracts the best and brightest faculty and “Cleveland quality”—meaning they are singularly curators going into schools, we reached more than 13,000 named the focus gallery in support of the building and students from this country and around the world (see excellent pieces that continue to bolster not only the students last year. But we also want these community renovation campaign. The focus gallery will do more than page 6). collection but the museum’s national and international relationships to be push-pull: we want to hear what oth- demystify the art experience for visitors; it will strengthen This American Alexandria, this house of the muses, reputation and standing, as our annual acquisitions ers want. So we launched an initiative called Community our scholarly pursuits by centering on one central object is as alive as it has ever been, and looking skyward. issue of Cleveland Art (in March/April) attests.