Featured in the Fall 2015 Issue – Art Of The Times
Recently, The Mexican Museum San Francisco (TMM) was awarded a significant grant. Specifically, the funds come from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Arts Innovation and Management (AIM) program. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum will use this support to strengthen its operational efforts.
The invitation-only program supports cultural organizations across the country. Consequently, TMM will use its $85,000 grant to support public outreach. Furthermore, they will develop an internship program and promote gallery-naming opportunities.
Andrew M. Kluger, Chairman of the Board, expressed his gratitude. He states: “The grant will also enable us to more expansively communicate our vision… The new facility… will serve as a cultural nexus, where people from all walks of life can learn about and celebrate Latino art.”
A New Home in Yerba Buena Gardens
Currently, the museum prepares for a dramatic transformation. Soon, it will move to a new permanent home at 706 Mission Street in the Yerba Buena Gardens Art District.
This move is possible due to a unique partnership with the City of San Francisco and Millennium Partners. Remarkably, Millennium Partners will deliver the core and shell space at no cost. This contribution is valued at up to $22 million.
Just last year, long-time supporters joined the cause. Guadalupe Rivera Marin (daughter of Diego Rivera) and Ann Rockefeller Roberts (daughter of Nelson Rockefeller) agreed to spearhead capital campaigns. Honoring their fathers, new galleries will bear the names of these famous figures.
Heart of Latino Art and Heritage
Founded in 1975 by Peter Rodriguez, The Mexican Museum San Francisco holds a world-class collection. Today, it houses more than 16,500 art objects.
The collection reflects Pre-Hispanic, Colonial, and Contemporary Mexican art. It includes works by masters such as David Alfaro Siqueiros and José Clemente Orozco. Kluger notes: “The collections… form a rich, moving tableau of what it means to be Latino.”
The “¡Adelante!” Campaign
To fund this vision, the museum embarked on the “¡Adelante!” campaign. This combined capital and endowment campaign aims for $86 million. To date, they have secured over $64 million in total funding and endowments.
Senior VP Armando Zumaya emphasizes the community’s role. He says: “Over the next three years, the ¡Adelante! Campaign will secure a wide range of gifts… from individuals, corporations, and foundations.”
Ultimately, membership offers the satisfaction of supporting cultural appreciation. As The Mexican Museum San Francisco grows, it continues to forge alliances with institutions like UNAM in Mexico City.
