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What connects Gary Steuer to Beyonce, Dolly Parton, Aggie Gund, Kehinde Wiley and Darren Walker?


A couple of weeks ago I opened my Sunday New York Times to find inside the newest issue of ArtDesk, a wonderful quarterly arts magazine published by the Kirkpatrick Foundation and distributed through  subscription as well as to New York Times subscribers. The lead story (featuring a cover photo of Dolly Parton) is "The ArtDesk 100: 2024 Discovery List" - described as "Our favorite creators, thinkers, and voices—who give the best of themselves... Our honorees evangelize for a better world in a way that transcends their own success." And as I peruse this impressive list of leaders - artists and philanthropists, including luminaries like those in the title of this post - imagine my surprise to find myself included in this list! It was truly humbling and startling, since seeing me included in the list was the first I knew about the story. And of course, recognition like this is really recognition for all the folks that make it possible for you to do what you do, board members past and present, a wonderful team of colleagues, and an extraordinary community of artists and arts organizations in Colorado that I have the privilege of supporting through the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation. It may seem trite at this point but it can never be stated too often. Those of us in institutional philanthropy have the privilege - and the heavy responsibility - of stewarding resources not of our creation. If you do not feel that weight, then you are not doing your job well. So click on the link above and be inspired, not by me, but by this incredible collection of individuals who have used their power, privilege, and in many cases artistic talents to make this world better. A great way to start the new year!


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