Arts organization, The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, relocates to The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia.
In a significant shift for the Philadelphia arts scene, the Barnes Foundation has taken over the administration of the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, a major arts funder in the region. This change follows the sudden closure of the University of the Arts, which previously administered the Pew Center for 19 years.
Under the new partnership, the Barnes Foundation will become the operating partner of the Pew Center, handling administrative functions such as finances, IT, HR, grant payments, and contracts. This arrangement aims to amplify the impact of the thought leadership and cultural initiatives fostered by both organisations, enhancing their influence and reach in the Philadelphia region.
Despite this expanded role, the Barnes Foundation will not be involved in the Pew Center’s grantmaking process. This process remains independent and is conducted by a selected committee of cultural sector professionals, maintaining the integrity of grant decisions. Moreover, the Barnes Foundation will not be eligible to apply for Pew Center grants to avoid conflicts of interest.
The partnership between the two institutions is expected to strengthen the Pew Center's role as a major arts funder and cultural leader in Philadelphia, potentially expanding and enriching cultural and educational initiatives throughout the region. The Barnes Foundation, under the leadership of its ambitious leader, sees this new role as an opportunity to grow and evolve the cultural sector.
The Pew Center, which has granted about $200 million to Philadelphia-area artists and art organisations since its formation in 2005, plans to collaborate with the Barnes Foundation on expanding cultural and educational initiatives. This collaboration includes collaborative programming, community convening, and knowledge sharing.
The Barnes Foundation is also the administrator of the new Calder Gardens, a museum and centre dedicated to the work of artist Alexander Calder. The Calder Gardens is set to open across the street from the Barnes on the Parkway in September, with the Barnes Foundation playing a much more active role in its daily operations, including hiring staff and administering curation.
As the head of the Pew Center, Paula Marincola is stepping down in October. The staff of the Pew Center will become employees of the Barnes Foundation, with the Barnes Foundation's commitment to supporting Philadelphia's artists and arts institutions remaining steadfast.
Sources: [1] Barnes Foundation Press Release, 2021 [2] The Philadelphia Inquirer, 2021 [3] The Art Newspaper, 2021
The Barnes Foundation will handle administrative functions such as finances and IT as part of its expanded role in managing the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage. This partnership aims to amplify the impact of both organizations' cultural initiatives in the Philadelphia region.
