Agnes Gund was more than just an old-world arts donor - Inside Philanthropy

This article examines the recent passing of influential arts patron Agnes Gund and four other major benefactors, highlighting how their deaths underscore the challenge facing arts organizations as they lose traditional "old-world" donors.

Agnes Gund distinguished herself from typical wealthy arts patrons by evolving beyond traditional philanthropy to address social justice issues. In 2017, she sold a Roy Lichtenstein masterpiece to launch the groundbreaking Art for Justice Fund, partnering with Ford Foundation to tackle mass incarceration through a unique blend of arts and criminal justice reform. The fund distributed $127 million over six years to support artists and organizations working to reduce prison populations and reform sentencing policies.

• Gund's approach was distinctive for focusing specifically on mass incarceration rather than broad social issues, making it politically bold for a traditional arts donor
• The Art for Justice Fund achieved measurable impact, including securing freedom for 1,000 individuals sentenced to life without parole as children
• Her willingness to address systemic inequities using art world resources made her stand out among wealthy philanthropists who typically avoid controversial social issues
• The current political climate makes it unlikely similar donor-driven social justice initiatives will emerge soon, making Gund's legacy particularly significant