The National Gallery of Art and George Washington University have recently announced a revision to their 2014 agreement regarding the division of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. This update includes a renewed partnership and educational initiatives, but it also marks a departure from the National Gallery’s commitment to presenting contemporary art exhibitions at the Corcoran. The dismemberment of the Corcoran in 2014 was a significant blow to the renowned museum, which had a rich history dating back to its founding in 1869.
Financial mismanagement in the Corcoran’s final years led to the need for new leadership and resources. While a local philanthropist and the University of Maryland proposed plans to rescue the institution, the National Gallery and George Washington University ultimately collaborated on a plan to divide its assets and close it as an independent entity. As part of this plan, the National Gallery had initially intended to present exhibitions at the Corcoran, but due to delays in renovations and reconfiguration, they have now decided against it.
The revised agreement between the National Gallery and George Washington University outlines closer cooperation on educational initiatives, which are still in the planning stages. GWU students will have opportunities to experience behind-the-scenes operations and present their work at National Gallery Nights. The National Gallery will continue to display Corcoran works and will create a Corcoran Legacy Gallery at its National Mall campus. They will also inaugurate an annual Corcoran lecture series. However, it remains unclear whether these efforts are merely symbolic or a genuine commitment to preserving the Corcoran’s legacy.
While the National Gallery has made efforts to maintain public trust and reach new audiences, the decision to plunder the Corcoran’s art collection in 2014 damaged its relationship with the public and the people of Washington. The current leader of the National Gallery, Kaywin Feldman, should honor the commitments made by her predecessors and reconsider the abandonment of the Corcoran’s public mission and legacy. Legacy galleries, badges, and lecture series are insufficient replacements for the once-beloved public space that fostered a sense of place and connected the community to art, artists, and ideas.
Although the updated agreement may be the best way forward for both institutions, it is important to acknowledge the breaking of faith with trust documents and agreements that are less than a decade old. Donors should remember the Corcoran’s legacy of breaking faith when considering future contributions. Students who enjoy using the Corcoran’s old building should recognize its former status as a public place that was cherished by the District’s residents. Those responsible for the decision to divide the Corcoran and distribute its assets should question whether this ultimately served the public or just elite institutions seeking to claim its assets.
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