The Wall Street Journal looks at the current state of museum fundraising, with a number of museums competing for donations and gifts in what some call a crowded market.  “These big capital campaigns for the gold-plated arts and cultural institutions probably put the most pressure on the people who are on that party circuit,” says Michael Hamill Remaley, senior vice president for public policy and communications at Philanthropy New York. “But the 1% is not hurting.” (more…)

The Art Newspaper reports that a 38-piece private collection of works by German artist Anselm Kiefer will be given to the Kunsthalle Mannheim on extended loan. The collection is owned by Hans Grothe, a German art collector who made his fortune in construction, and will be on loan to the museum for more than a decade. The article also reports on the statement released by the museum, which highlights the it’s high expectations for the collection. (more…)

The Brooklyn Museum is currently attempting to overturn an agreement made in 1931 that specified that a large donated collection be kept together after the owner’s death, despite the issue that a quarter of the works have since been determined forgeries, misattributed, or “not of museum quality.”  The case highlights the thorny issue of donor intent, which can occasionally hold an institution to untenable standards with regards to its collection and gifts.  “A respect for donor intent is essential for philanthropic integrity.” said Adam Meyerson, president of the Philanthropy Roundtable.  However, “You’re not serving donor intent if you go bankrupt.”

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