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June 30, 2008

Children of Arts Patrons Learning to Take the Reins

The children and grandchildren of arts patrons are learning to follow in their forebears’ footsteps by getting academic training in the arts, organizing galas, joining board meetings, and even working “in the trenches” at nonprofit groups, reports The New York Times.

“Arts institutions are now seeing more young people who want to be involved in and respect family histories,” says Virginia M. Esposito, president of the National Center for Family Philanthropy. Young patrons, she adds, “also want to ensure that those institutions reflect their changing values and experiences.”

Patsy Tarr, a dance advocate at the 2wice Arts Foundation, has groomed her daughter, Jennie Tarr Coyne, to work in arts patronage and has taught her that philanthropy is not just about benefits and galas. Ms. Tarr Coyne studied art history at Harvard University and earned a master’s degree in museum studies from Bank Street College; she works as vice president of the 2wice Arts Foundation, volunteers at the Metropolitan Museum of New York, has served as a board member of several dance companies, and wrote a children’s book on female artists.

“Jennie will most likely, if she wants it, eventually have the ability to give out grant money, but that is far off in the future,” says Mrs. Tarr. “We do not see ourselves in the world of philanthropy at all. We see ourselves in dance and museum education.”

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