The Laguna Art Museum announced on Tuesday, March 24, it has received a $3 million donation — the largest gift in its history — to establish a new endowed curatorial position aimed at expanding exhibitions and strengthening stewardship of its collection.
Museum officials said the gift from the Quilter family will fund the Anna Hills Curator Endowed by the Quilter Family, named after a founding artist of the institution.
The position will support exhibition development, research and interpretation of the museum’s permanent collection while creating new opportunities for artists and public engagement, according to the museum.
Officials said the donation builds on recent efforts to improve collection care, including the adoption of a formal collection management policy, a full inventory and condition assessment of artworks, and the implementation of a database system.
“This moment reflects generations of vision and generosity that built our collection and now make possible expanded access to and understanding of California art,” Joe Hanauer, chairman of the museum’s board of trustees, said in a statement. “As Orange County’s original leader in the arts, Laguna Art Museum continues to serve a broad and growing audience while remaining grounded in its founding mission.”
The endowed curator position is the first of its kind at the museum and is intended to strengthen its curatorial leadership and long-term planning, officials said.
Founded in 1918, Laguna Art Museum focuses on California art and serves as a cultural institution in Orange County.