Agnes Gund, Relentless Arts Patron and Supporter of Justice-Impacted Artists, Dies at 87

Arts patron and philanthropist Agnes Gund, president emerita of the Museum of Modern Art, has died at age 87, marking the end of an era for cultural philanthropy as reported by Observer.

Gund was among America's most influential art patrons over the past half-century, transforming MoMA during her 11-year presidency and donating over 900 artworks to public institutions. She gave away two-thirds of her assets annually to support New York's cultural scene and founded innovative programs like "Studio in a School" to bring professional artists into public education. Her most notable philanthropic act was selling Roy Lichtenstein's "Masterpiece" for $165 million to launch Art for Justice, addressing racial inequities in mass incarceration.

• Donated hundreds of masterpieces by Rothko, Lichtenstein, Johns, and other renowned artists to museums nationwide
• Founded Art for Justice fund in 2017, distributing over $127 million in grants targeting criminal justice reform
• Established "Studio in a School" program placing professional artists in New York public schools since 1977
• Her death represents the departure of a generation of committed collectors, raising questions about future cultural patronage