Bukhman Foundation funds curatorial fellowships at National Portrait Gallery

The Bukhman Foundation, established by Russian-born tech entrepreneur and collector Anastasia Bukhman, has launched a curatorial fellowship program at the National Portrait Gallery in London. Following a major donation to the museum last year, the foundation is now funding two three-year fellowships aimed at nurturing early-career curators. The initiative reflects Bukhman's view that philanthropy is a form of power, not just kindness. The fellows will work across the gallery's collections and exhibitions, gaining hands-on experience. Bukhman, who began collecting art a decade ago, focuses on supporting institutional growth rather than individual artists. The National Portrait Gallery, which reopened in 2023 after a £41 million renovation, has been expanding its philanthropic partnerships. The fellowships are part of a broader trend of private foundations funding curatorial positions in UK museums.