AGNES GUND
Arts Patron
For decades, the arts patron has underwritten the creatives who make our cultural landscape a more thought-provoking place. More recently, she has used her own collection to advocate for ending mass incarceration.
WHAT’S COMING UP FOR YOU IN 2025? To keep doing everything we can to continue protecting everyone’s civil rights and liberties. I will continue to support organizations that fight for free speech, immigrants’ rights, reproductive freedom, racial justice, voter rights, the environment, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender justice. I also remain hopeful watching my children and grandchildren continue to do great things.
IF YOU COULD ATTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS TO A SINGLE QUALITY, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I guess I just try and show up as much as I can. It is so important to push ourselves to keep getting out there, seeing and doing and supporting, even if we have limitations, whether they are physical or emotional. And I hope to make people feel appreciated and seen. I think the following phrase is so true: “People might not remember everything you say, but they will always remember how you made them feel.”
“I always try and write thank-you notes—not over email, but real letters. I know it is old-fashioned, but I think it is important to acknowledge when someone does something nice for you.”
WHAT’S ONE BOOK, WORK OF ART, OR FILM THAT GOT YOU THROUGH AN IMPORTANT MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE? Ava Duvernay’s film 13th certainly changed the trajectory of my life. It was the impetus for starting the Art for Justice Fund eight years ago. I am also a voracious reader and have at least three to four books on my nightstand on any given day.
WHAT IS YOUR TRADEMARK? I always try and write thank-you notes—not over email, but real letters. I know it is old-fashioned, but I think it is important to acknowledge when someone does something nice for you. And receiving something in the mail still feels a little more special somehow. I also love giving books as gifts from independent shops. One of my favorites is Three Lives & Company on 10th Street. I gave certificates to Three Lives to all the staff at MoMA for the holidays.
in your life?
