Art Philanthropist and Advocate for Equity, Agnes Gund, Passes Away at 87

Agnes “Aggie” Gund, a renowned philanthropist and advocate for social justice and education in the arts, passed away at the age of 87. Gund, known for her immense contributions to the arts and social justice, was a key figure in supporting underrepresented artists and communities. She founded the nonprofit Studio in a School in New York City in response to budget cuts that had removed art classes from public schools, advocating for art education as a student right.

Gund also founded the Art for Justice Fund by selling a Roy Lichtenstein painting to combat mass incarceration, channeling millions into justice reform initiatives and supporting previously incarcerated artists through the Center for Art and Advocacy.

A major patron of contemporary art, Gund served as president emerita and life trustee at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), significantly influencing its engagement with contemporary art and its institutional growth through pivotal projects like the merger with P.S. 1 Center for Contemporary Art and MoMA’s expansion. Gund’s influence extended through numerous other cultural institutions where she served, such as the Frick Collection and the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation.

Gund’s legacy in curatorial leadership is marked by her co-founding of the Center for Curatorial Leadership to shape future museum leaders. Colleagues and fellow advocates highlighted her lifelong commitment to justice, generosity, and encouragement of new generations of leaders in the cultural sphere. The arts community remembers her as a guiding force and an inspiration for change and fairness in the arts and beyond.