A Broad View of Art

by Gigi Cowell

Kansas City is blessed with world-class cultural institutions, the Nelson–Atkins Museum and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art being two of the most highly visible and widely recognized.

 

While both offer an abundant variety of programs to the general public, to schools, and special groups, there are some programs offered exclusively to the museums’ individual financial supporters. As they say, membership has its benefits.

Donors are, of course, critical to the success of these internationally respected art venues. Besides enabling them to offer free admission every day of the week, the financial support patrons provide funds many educational services, children’s programs, lectures and demonstrations. It aids in the preservation of paintings and sculptures, and helps to remind Kansas Citians that these are their museums.

In addition to amenities within the museums, including invitations to special previews and events, patrons at the various levels of membership are treated to some exciting benefits in the form of yearly travel programs. For Kansas Citians seeking an enriched experience of the city’s cultural scene, these offerings are worth considering.

Nicolle Ratliff, Manager of Individual Giving at the Nelson Museum oversees membership as well as member benefits. “It is my job to make sure that the benefits of membership are spelled out and that these benefits are interesting and exciting,” notes Ratliff, who speaks passionately about the programs, as well as the Nelson itself.

At the Society of Fellows level, members are entitled to a group-rate discount for art-inspired international travel. These trips include accommodations in fine hotels, admission to private collections, as well as a variety of curators and experts that serve as travel guides. Although already sold out for 2008, the mid-May travel program is scheduled to take place in Italy, with visits to Turin, Genoa and Portofino.

This fall, a 15 day trip is scheduled to the political and commercial capitals of Beijing and Shanghai, including a three-night cruise on the Yangtze River. This grand voyage coincides with the Beinnale, which is the major art exhibition held every two years in Shanghai, and will be accompanied by China specialist Ross Terrill of Harvard University.

According to Karen Craft, Upper-Level Patron Travel Coordinator for the Nelson–Atkins Museum, there are approximately 15 participants from the Kansas City area who attend the international trips, half of which are repeat travelers. In addition to these large-scale international travel opportunities, DepARTures is a new Society of Fellows casual travel program. The DepARTures program recently took members to Washington, D.C. where they were treated to a private tour by the curator of the National Gallery of Art. A trip to New York City is slated for October 2008.

“Early entrance to exhibitions and access to private collections is what differentiates these travel programs from trips you might take on your own”, states Craft. “It is truly an educational and fulfilling experience”.

Dawn Taylor is the Development Officer for the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, and oversees the membership travel programs. In the past, the Kemper has sponsored trips to Miami Beach, New York City and Chicago, where members at the Director’s Circle level can enjoy private collections and special museum privileges on a three-day excursion closer to home. These trips focus on contemporary art in multiple venues, and offer flexibility— such as encouraging patrons to make their own travel plans and choose their accommodations.

“This flexibility allows patrons to use their personal frequent-flyer miles or hotel rewards, and participate in the scheduled tours without limiting their stay or options,” remarks Craft, who notes that this “loosely structured” format is popular with Kemper donors.

Participating in these trips can not only enrich your understanding of art, but allow you to experience art in an entirely different way. As the English statesman and essayist Francis Bacon mused, “Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience.” Whether it is your intention to learn about or experience art, the success of these travel programs sponsored the Nelson-Atkins and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art relies on the support of art lovers of all ages.

 

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