This episode of The Nonprofit Report features Art Bridges Foundation, an innovative foundation expanding access to American art through partnerships with museums and communities across the country.
Guests:
Anne Kraybill, CEO
Brittany Vernon, Director of Engagement, Awards and Impact
Ashley Holland, Curator and Director of Curatorial Initiatives
Interview by: Mark Oppenheim
Key Points:
- Art Bridges Foundation was founded on Alice Walton’s belief that art should be seen, not stored.
- The foundation partners with over 260 institutions to activate and share art collections nationwide.
- The goal is to serve communities historically underrepresented in museum attendance and curation. The organization helps collect data on this through surveys and more.
- Curatorial practices at Art Bridges Foundation prioritize accessibility and relevance over academic exclusivity.
- Museum loan practices and environmental logistics are reimagined for equity and sustainability.
- Programs like the Ideas Hub share partner innovations in outreach and activation.
- Art Bridges Foundation challenges conventional definitions of American art to include craft, performance, and marginalized creators.
Other Points on Art Bridges Foundation:
Art Bridges Foundation challenges the traditional museum model by prioritizing access for people who have historically been excluded. Through its lending programs, funding, and data support, the organization enables museums to reach new audiences and co-create exhibitions that reflect the diverse communities they serve. This includes multilingual content, youth engagement, and community-driven programming.
For Art Bridges Foundation, curation is about connection, not just expertise. Ashley Holland and her team ensure artworks are interpreted through inclusive, community-centered lenses—whether through student poetry responses or dynamic, multisensory exhibitions. Art becomes a living dialogue between artist, viewer, and place.
Anne Kraybill emphasized that systemic change includes revising outdated industry standards that inhibit access. Art Bridges Foundation redefines loan agreements, logistics, and environmental practices to make art sharing more sustainable and equitable. These operational changes support deeper impact, allowing institutions to invest in their communities rather than barriers.
Art Bridges Foundation is transforming American museums by building a culture of inclusion, sustainability, and shared storytelling—where everyone belongs in front of the art.