Bank of America Art Conservation Grants: Preserving Cultural Treasures Worldwide

Bank of America’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage continues with its annual Art Conservation Project grants, which benefit museums and institutions worldwide.

Bank of America’s Art Conservation Project, initiated in 2010, has been a cornerstone in preserving significant artworks and cultural artefacts worldwide. This year, the financial institution is once again allocating funds to support conservation projects at twenty-four nonprofit cultural institutions across eleven countries.

The grants, totaling more than $20 million annually, have contributed to the preservation of various artworks, ranging from 20th-century masterpieces to contemporary installations and historical sculptures. This year’s recipients include institutions in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the U.K., France, Italy, the Netherlands, South Africa, India, and Japan.

Among the notable projects receiving funding are:

• The conservation of a 20th-century Monet painting.
• A contemporary LED installation by Jenny Holzer.
• A pair of Japanese wooden statues.

These initiatives highlight the diversity of artworks and the importance of their preservation for future generations.

For instance, at the Portland Art Museum, the restoration of Monet’s iconic Waterlilies involves removing synthetic varnish to reveal the painting’s original matte surface, in line with the artist’s intentions. Similarly, at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, Holzer’s digital installation will undergo conservation to revive its impactful message for an upcoming exhibition.

Through cooperative alliances, creative endeavors, and financial contributions, the organization keeps priceless artworks secure for admiration and enjoyment by future generations.

International Impact: From the Louvre to Japan

The reach of Bank of America‘s conservation efforts extends globally, with projects spanning from the Louvre in Paris to museums in Japan. In addition to restoring renowned artworks like Edgar Degas’s Dancer with Bouquets and Bessie Potter Vonnoh’s Susan B. Anthony statuette, the grants also support the conservation of thirty-two paintings and frames at the Louvre’s Napoléon III Apartments, timed for completion ahead of the Paris Summer Olympic Games.

Collaborative Selection Process

The selection of grantees involves a meticulous process overseen by a seven-person advisory panel comprising curators from esteemed institutions such as the Barnes Foundation, Seattle Art Museum, Chrysler Museum, Guggenheim, and J. Paul Getty Museum. This collaborative approach ensures that projects with significant cultural value and conservation needs receive adequate support.

Bank of America’s Holistic Approach to Art Preservation

Beyond the Art Conservation Project, Bank of America demonstrates a comprehensive commitment to art preservation through various initiatives and partnerships. The institution’s support extends to conservation education programs, such as the University of Delaware’s Six-Week Introduction to Practical Conservation course and the Smithsonian’s Cultural Rescue Initiative.

Furthermore, Bank of America actively engages with the community through its Art in Our Communities lending program, which facilitates exhibitions of contemporary artworks from its extensive collection. Through this program, museums and cultural institutions gain access to diverse exhibitions, enriching the cultural landscape for audiences worldwide.

Enhancing Accessibility and Engagement

In addition to supporting conservation efforts, Bank of America promotes accessibility and engagement with art by offering free admission to cardholders at over 225 art institutions during the first full weekend of each month. This initiative aims to make art more accessible to the public and foster a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage.

Moreover, Bank of America sponsors major exhibitions and cultural events, furthering its commitment to enriching the cultural fabric of communities globally. By supporting exhibitions like “The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism” at the Met and “ED RUSCHA/NOW THEN” at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the institution contributes to the promotion of diverse artistic expressions and narratives.

In conclusion, Bank of America’s ongoing support for art conservation underscores its dedication to preserving cultural heritage and promoting artistic excellence worldwide. Through collaborative partnerships, innovative initiatives, and financial contributions, the institution continues to safeguard invaluable artworks for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.