In response to evolving public interests and declining engagement in traditional cultural institutions, a significant collaboration between Remuseum, a think tank, and the Doris Duke Foundation has launched a $1 million grant and accelerator program. This initiative targets innovative leaders within museums and performing arts organizations, providing them with essential resources and mentorship to navigate contemporary challenges and foster greater relevance.
The cultural landscape is undergoing a transformation, with audiences increasingly seeking entertainment that diverges from traditional ballet, opera, and museum experiences. Actor Timothée Chalamet's widely discussed comments in February, questioning the enduring appeal of some established art forms, underscored a palpable shift in generational preferences. This sentiment reflects a broader trend of decreasing ticket sales and heightened difficulties in securing philanthropic support for many cultural institutions. Recognizing this critical juncture, Remuseum, an offshoot of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, partnered with the Doris Duke Foundation, a prominent supporter of arts, nature, and health, to devise a solution.
The core of this collaborative effort is an accelerator model, traditionally applied in the startup world, now adapted for the cultural sector. Stephen Reily, director of Remuseum and former head of the Speed Art Museum, highlighted the program's objective to empower leaders to experiment with novel approaches. For over three years, Remuseum has been dedicated to research and convening leaders to explore new avenues for enhancing museums' relevance, financial stability, and governance. Reily noted a prevalent risk aversion within established institutions, often stemming from a lack of "risk capital" and resistance from boards, internal stakeholders, and even public opinion. He emphasized the urgent need to accelerate the shift from an object-centric to a public-centric mission, despite the strong attachment many stakeholders hold for traditional models.
The program will award $100,000 grants to each selected organization, supporting innovative ideas cultivated during the accelerator's intensive, year-long residency. This journey commences with a week-long retreat at Shangri La, the Doris Duke Foundation's convening center in Honolulu, Hawaii, renowned for its extensive Islamic art collection. Following the retreat, participants will engage in monthly coaching sessions, regional peer gatherings, and collaborative workshops. The program culminates in public presentations where leaders will share their findings and initiatives with the broader arts community, demonstrating their contributions to the evolving cultural landscape.
Reily expressed aspirations that the participating institutions would emulate the innovative spirit of organizations like the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, which has reimagined itself as a mission-driven collection extending beyond a single physical space. Other exemplary models include the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, under Michael Govan, which is exploring new ways to make its collection more accessible, and the Whitney Museum of American Art, led by Scott Rothkopf, which successfully broadened its visitor base by offering free admission to those under 25 and implementing free entry days. Sam Gill, president and CEO of the Doris Duke Foundation, acknowledged the often unpopular nature of groundbreaking ideas, stressing that the award champions leaders with the courage to forge new paths, believing in the transformative power of the arts to enrich lives and society.
The funding for this initiative is generously provided by a consortium of philanthropists and foundations, including David Booth, the Alice L. Walton Foundation, the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, the Arison Arts Foundation, Barbara & Amos Hostetter, the Hill Art Foundation, and the Jasteka Foundation. The program welcomes applications from leaders of U.S.-based nonprofit visual and performing arts organizations with annual operating budgets exceeding $1 million. The application window opens on May 18, 2026, for a five-week period, with the announcement of awardees slated for Fall 2026. Comprehensive guidelines and eligibility criteria are available on the Remuseum website.