Giving and the Arts
Americans support the arts and use them for the common good in many ways. Artists have given their time, talent, and resources to causes for the benefit of others. Their contributions have complemented philanthropy for culture and the arts, and givers have long appreciated the power of the arts to advance their causes.
Kermit puppet, 1970
Gift of Jim Henson Productions (through Leslee Asch)
Sesame Street has used puppetry and other arts to educate young children. Individual Americans, foundations, corporations, and federal, state, and local governments have supported the creation of public television, where Sesame Street began in 1969.
Benjamin West created this painting as a gift for Pennsylvania Hospital. The hospital exhibited the painting for paying visitors. As one of the first art shows in the United States, the display helped nurture Americans’ interest in art.
Reproduction of pages from James Smithson’s will, dated October 23, 1826
Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution Archives
The Smithsonian is the largest cultural organization in the United States and includes this museum. James Smithson, a British scientist, bequeathed his fortune to “found at Washington . . . an Establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Along with funding from taxpayers, Americans sustain the Smithsonian with gifts of time, money, objects, and professional expertise.
Joseph Hirshhorn’s adding machine, 1927
Transfer from Smithsonian Institution Libraries, Library, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Starting in the late 19th century, wealthy Americans amassed fortunes large enough to play leading roles in creating and sustaining cultural institutions. Joseph Hirshhorn, a Latvian Jewish immigrant and successful businessman, gave the Smithsonian his art collection and funded construction of the museum that houses it today.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton: An American Musical highlights the orphan asylum founded by Eliza Hamilton and others in 1806. Their endeavor became the child welfare agency known as Graham Windham, which the cast now supports.
Ballet shoes worn by Misty Copeland, around 2015
A gift from Misty Copeland
Misty Copeland meeting students in the American Ballet Theatre’s Project Plié Bridge Class
Through benefit concerts, amateur and professional musicians have supported a wide range of causes while also fostering appreciation for music.
Sting’s Fender Stratocaster, 1978
