Anne Kraybill's Art Bridges Aims to Democratize Art Access
The CEO of Art Bridges is transforming how art is shared by overcoming logistical and preservation hurdles for museums nationwide.
Anne Kraybill, CEO of Art Bridges, is recognized for her innovative approach to art accessibility, focusing on moving artworks from storage into public view at museums across the United States. Art Bridges, supported by funding from Walmart heiress Alice Walton, acts as an intermediary, addressing challenges such as insurance, shipping costs, and preservation requirements that often hinder the exchange of art between institutions.
The organization provides training, logistical assistance, and financial support to help museums overcome these obstacles. A key issue Art Bridges tackles is the often-stringent humidity standards imposed by galleries, which can be prohibitive for older or rural institutions. Art Bridges has funded research and conferences to help clarify essential climate control needs versus merely optimal conditions, making it more feasible for a wider range of museums to participate in exhibitions.
Currently, Art Bridges is collaborating with 253 museums. One ongoing project involves supporting the Heckscher Museum in Huntington, New York, in lending an exhibition of Emma Stebbins sculpture to the Driehaus Museum in Chicago, set to open in October. Kraybill emphasizes the vast amount of art currently unseen, stating, "Collectively, there's more than enough art to bring these new experiences to the public across the country."