A think tank and a philanthropic foundation have launched a $1 million accelerator grant program for museum and performing arts leaders. The initiative, a partnership between Remuseum (an initiative of Crystal Bridges Museum) and the Doris Duke Foundation, will award up to ten $100,000 grants and provide a year-long residency program to help leaders develop innovative strategies to boost relevance and financial stability.
The program addresses a critical moment of declining attendance and philanthropic support for cultural institutions, exacerbated by shifting generational tastes. It aims to provide 'risk capital' and a support network for leaders who want to experiment with new models but face resistance from boards, stakeholders, and traditional expectations, accelerating a necessary shift from object-centered to public-centered missions.