University of Chicago, David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art

This grant will provide one-time support for Chicago art museums hosting the annual Association of Art Museum Directors conference, which will be held in Chicago in May 2012. The Museum of Contemporary Art, the Block Museum (at Northwestern University), the Smart Museum (at the University of Chicago) and the Art Institute comprise the local organizing committee for this year’s conference. Foundation support will partially fund evening events at each museum, which intend to demonstrate current exhibitions, feature local curators and artists, and highlight institutional innovations. The intended result is to generate interest and demand for Chicago-based exhibitions and artists among other North American museums.

In support of general operations (over two years).

In support of general operations (over five years).

To support smART Explorers, an art education program for fifth graders (over three years).