Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.
The National Study of Artist-Endowed Foundations, AEFI’s principle research endeavor, is the first effort to define and describe the field of private foundations created by visual artists in the U.S. Though a small portion of all private foundations, these distinctively endowed entities are growing in number and as such, represent a potential force shaping cultural philanthropy and stewarding this country’s postwar and contemporary art heritage.
The Study’s findings provide an overview of the artist-endowed foundation field, its origins, current status, trends, and prospects. The findings also document considerations and effective practice in forming, sustaining, and terminating artist-endowed foundations, as well as planning and conducting foundations’ charitable programs.
Research Reports
AEFI’s two-volume publication sets out the initial findings of AEFI’s flagship research program, the National Study of Artist-Endowed Foundations, and its regularly-issued Study Report Supplements provide five-year interval updates to the Study’s findings.
AEFI presents critical information on key topics in short guides based on research findings, including Notes on Estate Planning for Artists Creating a Foundation, A Reading Guide for Artists and Their Family Members, and A Reading Guide for Artists and Their Lifetime Foundations: The Dos and Don’ts.
