Serpentine Americas Foundation

Launched in 2014, Serpentine Americas Foundation brings together dedicated supporters of contemporary art from North and South America to serve as ambassadors for Serpentine in London. Serpentine Americas is an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in New York City.

Led by CEO Bettina Korek, Artistic Director Hans Ulrich Obrist, and Chairman Michael R. Bloomberg, Serpentine has presented pioneering exhibitions in London for more than half a century—showcasing the work of emerging practitioners as well as the most internationally recognized artists of our time. Serpentine innovates at the intersections of Art and Ecology, Art and Civic Engagement, and Art and Technology. Supporters of Serpentine Americas gain shared insight into each of these areas of knowledge.

Serpentine Americas Foundation is an essential component of the Serpentine’s global network of support. Members commit a minimum of $10,000 per year—and are encouraged to join at the $15,000 or $25,000 level—contributing to Serpentine’s efforts to champion new ideas in contemporary art and amplify the voice of American artists worldwide. Serpentine Americas also contributes to Serpentine’s interdisciplinary initiatives, special exhibitions, and education programs.

Membership Benefits

Members of Serpentine Americas who contribute at the $10,000 level are invited to enjoy the following exclusive opportunities:

  • Fall and Spring Programs in New York:  Dynamic meetings with Serpentine leadership feature presentations by Serpentine artists. Guest speakers have included Marina Abramović, Liz Diller of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and Faith Ringgold. Private visits to artists’ studios are frequently offered: members have been invited to artist-led tours at the NYC studios of Christo, Wade Guyton, “photograffeur” JR, KAWS, Jeff Koons, Hank Willis Thomas, and architect Bjarke Ingels. Programs have also featured private museum exhibition views of Serpentine’s Jennifer Packer show at the Whitney, the Alex Katz and Hilma af Klint shows at the Guggenheim, and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye led a tour of her work at the New Museum. Last spring, Serpentine Americas supporters were recently joined by Lauren Halsey to view her rooftop commission at The Met.
  • Programs in London: Key events—accessed together with Serpentine’s community of supporters and artists in London—including special events during Frieze London in autumn. In 2022, live events with Barbara Chase-Riboud and Theaster Gates’ The Black Monks were highlights of the Frieze London program.
  • Programs in Miami Beach: Serpentine America’s Annual VIP Brunch at Casa Tua – a highlight event during Art Basel Miami Beach – plus private collection and studio visits. Past participating artists have included Tomm El-Saieh and Harmony Korine.
  • Programs in Los Angeles: An exclusive itinerary of artist studio, gallery, and private collection visits during Frieze LA. Serpentine leadership have led private visits to the studios of Refik Anadol, Mark Bradford, Lauren Halsey and Albert Oehlen, and events with David Hockney and George Condo.
  • International Art Events: VIP access to leading international art fairs and fair-related special programs.

Members of Serpentine Americas who contribute at the $15,000+ levels of giving enjoy the above listed benefits as well as:

  • Summer Party: The opportunity to purchase tickets to Serpentine’s storied annual event.
  • Travel Programs: Invitations to join Serpentine leadership and supporters for exclusive international trips. Past travel programs have included visits to Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and to Hong Kong, Seville, Shanghai, Venice, and – most recently – Athens.

Directors & Donors

Serpentine Americas Foundation Board of Directors

Susan F. Danilow, Chair
Marina Abramović
Sarah Arison
Debbie August
Abigail Baratta
Kasseem, Swizz Beatz, Dean
Bettina Korek, ex officio
Robin Saunders
Rirkrit Tiravanija
Ted Vassilev

Serpentine Americas Foundation Members and Leading Donors

Sarah Arison
Debbie and Glenn August
Abby and Matt Bangser
Abigail Baratta
Diego Berdakin
Berggruen Charities
Blavatnik Family Foundation
Reginald M. Browne
Camalotte Foundation
Wendy and Matt Cherwin
Citi
Nancy and Steve Crown
John and Irene Danilovich
Susan and Greg Danilow
Sarah de Blasio & The DeBlasio Family Foundation
Jennie and Richard DeScherer
Alexander DiPersia
Jamie Drake
Carla and Gerald Du Manoir
Maria S. Eitel
Shaari Ergas
James P. Esposito
Jenifer Evans/Highmount Foundation
Katherine Farley and Jerry Speyer
Lisa S. Firestone
Katia Francesconi
Shelley Fox and Philip Aarons
Jay Franke and David Herro
Fuhrman Family Foundation
Denise B. Gardner
Lauren Schor Geller and Martin Geller
Claire Hoffmann and Ben Goldhirsh
Goodman Family Foundation
Laurie and Peter Grauer
Scott D. Greenberg
Kenneth C. Griffin
Agnes Gund
Mimi Haas
Josh Harris and Layla Nemazee
Alan and Vivien Hassenfeld in honor of Michele Codoni
Marlene Hess and James Zirin
Julie Hillman
Noel Kirnon
Alex Ionescu
Kadima Foundation
Elizabeth Khuri and Otis Chandler
Nicole and Joel Klein
Eric Kranzler
Marie-Josée and Henry Kravis
Nancy Lainer
Vincent LaPadula
Agnes Lew

Elizabeth S. and J. Jeffry Louis
Max Stenbeck Foundation
Susan McCaw
Suzanne McFayden
Samantha McManus
Lachlan Miles and Christopher Hill
Jarl and Pamela Mohn
Sandra Muss
Angella Nazarian
Nelson Joy Charitable Fund
Sybil Robson Orr and Matthew Orr
Patty Newburger
Charlie Pohlad
Ressler-Gertz Family Foundation
Odeta Stuikys Rose
The Rosenkranz Foundation
Karen Roth
Nina Runsdorf
Scott Rechler | Rechler Philanthropy, LLC
Doug Schoen
Carla Shen
V. Joy Simmons, MD
Samira Sine
Per Skarstedt
Gillian and Robert Steel
Philip Graham Steele
Steve and Kaayla Roth Foundation
John Storey
Suzanne Deal Booth Cultural Trust
Tamares Real Estate Holdings
Lauren and Benedikt Taschen
TD Securities
Thomas L. Kempner Jr. Foundation Inc.
Tishman Speyer
To.org Foundation
Grazka Taylor
Simona and Ted Vassilev
Wagner Foundation
Oliva Walton and The Momentary
Hope Warschaw
Maureen White and Steven Rattner
Isabel S. Wilcox
Bonnie and Darrin Woo
Sue and Beau Wrigley
Barbara and David Zalaznick

Images at the top of webpage: Bettina Korek and Hans Ulrich Obrist © Hugo Glendinning (2019); © Harry Richards @reportography.

You can learn more about the Serpentine Galleries, its history, collaborations, and programming by downloading the Bloomberg Connects app, here.