Thesis (M.A.)--State University of New York at Buffalo, 2020
Includes bibliographical references
Here in the United States, there is very little governmental support to help sustain nonprofit cultural and art organizations. This circumstance makes it necessary for museums and cultural institutions to rely heavily on charitable funding. Philanthropy, as it relates to the charitable act of donating to cultural institutions and organizations, is a noble deed when aimed at supporting the community. However, philanthropic giving does not always come as unconditional support, it sometimes comes with expectations for something in return; or they are predominately motivated by tax deduction benefits, especially with respect to gifts of art. This paper explores the nature and different facets of philanthropy, and how they help museums to flourish or to obstruct their original purpose. I will be presenting public perceptions - positive and negative - of the concept "philanthropy" and demonstrate the complexity of the museum-philanthropy relationship by discussing the Sackler family case and their history as philanthropists. This case study is both unique and exemplary for observing the evolution of charitable practices by wealthy donors and board members. The Sackler family's history traces this evolution from philanthropy as an act of civic pride and source of positive recognition to being the basis of widespread public protests and demands for accountability. This exploration provides an overview of how public perceptions of the Sackler company practices have tainted the family's philanthropic activities and prompted museums affiliated with the Sackler foundation to reconsider their relationship and past support. The purpose of this research paper is to shed light on today's philanthropic entanglements with museums and to express the importance of establishing clear standards and policies for museum ethics to regulate the museum-donor relationship
Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, Mich. : ProQuest, 2021
