Giving Compass' Take:
- Aurelie Cauchy discusses art philanthropy amidst disasters, highlighting the Los Angeles fires as a case study in proactively building resilience.
- How can donors and funders support art institutions in building climate and disaster resilience into their planning to preserve their collections for generations to come?
- Learn more about best practices in philanthropy.
- Search our Guide to Good for nonprofits in your area.
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The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have caused staggering losses for the arts community, destroying not just homes and studios but irreplaceable cultural artifacts and works of art, demonstrating the importance of bolstering art philanthropy amidst disasters to build resilience. From artists losing pieces they had been working on for months, artist estates and legacies vanishing completely and art collections being consumed by the flames, the loss extends way beyond material or artistic damages. It reflects the broader impact of the shared identity, history and sense of connection that art and culture provide to the world. When art is lost, it’s not just the artists or collectors who are affected; the entire community loses a part of its cultural heritage and collective memory.
Amidst this devastation, the L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, a $12 million initiative spearheaded by Los Angeles museums, has emerged as a sign of hope. It shows how targeted philanthropy can play a pivotal role in sustaining the arts during times of crisis. Beyond its immediate impact, this fund opens the door to a broader conversation about the intersection of philanthropy, community resilience and the arts—and why such efforts only seem to emerge during emergencies.
Read the full article about art philanthropy and disaster resilience by Aurelie Cauchy at Observer.