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 (SAF) 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.  SAF 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 with world-renowned and emerging artists. Past guest speakers have included Marina Abramović, Faith Ringgold, and Cecily Brown. Private visits to artists’ studios are frequently offered: members have been invited to artist-led tours at the NYC studios of Christo, JR, Hank Willis Thomas, KAWS, and Serpentine Pavilion architect Bjarke Ingels. Programs have also featured private museum exhibition views of Serpentine’s Jennifer Packer show at the Whitney, and the Alex Katz and Hilma af Klint shows at the Guggenheim. Artists frequently join us for tours: we were joined by Lauren Halsey to experience her 2023 rooftop commission at The Met.
  • Programs in Miami Beach: Serpentine America’s Annual Brunch at Casa Tua – a highlight event to kick off the preview day at 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, Albert Oehlen, and Jonas Wood and Shio Kusaka, and events with David Hockney and George Condo.
  • 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. Live events with Barbara Chase-Riboud and Theaster Gates’ The Black Monks have been highlights of past Frieze London programs.
  • International Art Fairs: 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:

  • The Summer Party: Two complimentary tickets and the opportunity to purchase tickets to Serpentine’s storied annual event.
  • Exclusive access to the Chairman’s Reception with Mike Bloomberg prior to The Summer Party.
  • 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 – Rome.

Directors & Donors

Serpentine Americas Foundation Board of Directors

Susan F. Danilow, Chair
Marina Abramović
Sarah Arison
Debra August
Abigail Baratta, Treasurer
Lauren Schor Geller
Kasseem, Swizz Beatz, Dean*
KAWS
Bettina Korek, ex officio
Robin Saunders
Rirkrit Tiravanija
Diana Carroll Toole, Secretary
Ted Vassilev

*Honorary Member

Serpentine Americas Foundation Members and Leading Donors

Sarah Arison | Arison Arts Foundation
Debra and Glenn August
Abigail Baratta
Barbara and David Zalaznick Foundation
Deborah Beckmann and Jacob Kotzubei
Kate Bellin
Marc and Lynne Benioff
Diego Berdakin
Berggruen Charities
Blavatnik Family Foundation
Suzanne Deal Booth Cultural Trust
Reginald M. Browne
Camalotte Foundation
Jehan and Jeannie Chu
Nancy and Steven Crown
John and Irene Danilovich
Susan and Greg Danilow
Sarah de Blasio & The DeBlasio Family Foundation
Jennie DeScherer
Alexander DiPersia
Jamie Drake
Carla and Gerald Du Manoir
Shaari Ergas
James and Jennifer Esposito
Katherine Farley and Jerry Speyer
Lisa S. Firestone
Katia Francesconi Charitable Fund
Céline Fribourg
Fuhrman Family Foundation
Martin and Lauren Geller
Goldhirsh Foundation
Laurie and Peter Grauer
Scott D. Greenberg
Kenneth C. Griffin
Agnes Gund
Mimi Haas
Josh Harris and Layla Nemazee
Marjorie Harris
Marlene Hess and James Zirin
Claire Hoffman and Ben Goldhirsh
Hostetler/Wrigley Foundation
Alex Ionescu
James Cohan Gallery
Joel Klein and Nicole Seligman
Eric Kranzler
Marie-Josée and Henry Kravis

Nancy Lainer
Agnes Lew / East West Bank
Xin Li-Cohen
Elizabeth S. and J. Jeffry Louis
Marian Goodman Foundation
Marx Family Advised Fund at Aspen Community Foundation
Samantha McManus
Pamela and Jarl Mohn
Moore Charitable Foundation
Wendy Stark Morrissey
Jane Biondi Munna
Sandra Muss
Patty Newburger and Brad Wechsler
Angella Nazarian
Sybil Robson Orr and Matthew Orr
Otis and Elizabeth Chandler Foundation
Kitty Patterson and Tom Kempner
Rattner Family Foundation
Rennie Collection, Vancouver
Ressler-Gertz Family Foundation
Odeta Stuikys Rose
Alexander S.C. Rower and Elan Gentry
Jordan Schnitzer, The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation
Douglas Schoen
Scott and Deborah Rechler | Rechler Philanthropy
Carla Shen
Tatiana Silva
Jessica Silverman
Daryl Simon
Ed Skyler | Citi
Reggie and Leigh Smith
Gillian and Robert Steel
Kate and John Storey
Grazka Taylor
Roxann Taylor
The Dinan Family Foundation
The Rosenkranz Foundation
The Steve and Kaayla Roth Foundation
Tishman Speyer
Piril and Igno van Waesberghe
Simona and Ted Vassilev
Oliva Walton and The Momentary
Hope Warschaw
Debi and Steven Wisch

 

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.