A story yesterday in the New York Times about Miami Art Museum board members resigning over a decision to rename the museum for a man who is giving it $35 million reminded me of an article I wrote in the Times‘ first issue dedicated to philanthropy in 1998. (The 14th annual issue on philanthropy came out today; the historic gift of $1.2 billion given Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is highlighted.)

In the 1990s, when the Arkansas Arts Center was raising money to build the new entrance and galleries, an out-of-state prospect promised to give $1 million if the Arts Center would rename itself for the donor. That irritated the late financier Jack Stephens, he told the Times, so he gave the Arts Center $5 million — no strings attached. He thought the Arts Center should be named for its home, not a donor who wanted to see his or her name on a building.

Advertisement

At least one writer has complimented Alice Walton for leaving her name off her museum, which gives it a little breathing room for the people who patronize it to take ownership, but the Walton name appears on many other institutions the family has endowed.

The new Miami Art Museum, under construction, will be known as the Jorge M. Perez Art Museum of Miami-Dade County. The board members who’ve quit and others in the community are particularly peeved that a donor could “buy” a museum that is being built on public land and largely financed by taxpayers.

Advertisement

What would happen today if someone came to the Arkansas Arts Center, which is operating on a shoestring so tight it can’t afford curators, with a gift of $35 million? That board probably would take the money and give it any name the donor wished.

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article Great cookbooks for the holidays: Reader recommendations Next article Lottery expense cleanup continues