Sam Gilliam Foundation Appoints Dr. Steven Nelson as First Executive Director
In 2023, the Sam Gilliam Foundation was founded to honor the legacy of abstract artist Sam Gilliam, and it has appointed Dr. Steven Nelson as its first executive director, effective immediately. Previously associated with the National Gallery of Art, Nelson steps into this role as Aperture prepares to unveil its permanent headquarters on New York's Upper West Side on September 18, featuring the exhibition 'Aperture Loves New York.' Additionally, the VIA Art Fund granted $390,000 in Artistic Production Grants in spring 2026 to artists including Diana Al-Hadid and Kiyan Williams. The Phoenix Art Museum has acquired 185 Native American artworks from William Healey's collection. Francesca Casadio has been appointed director of the Getty Conservation Institute. Steven High will retire from the Ringling Museum after 15 years, and Mary Sabbatino has received France's Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. This fall, the New Museum will collaborate with Penske Media Corporation for 'Art Week NYC.'
Key facts
- Sam Gilliam Foundation established in 2023.
- Dr. Steven Nelson named first executive director.
- Nelson previously at Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts, National Gallery of Art.
- Aperture opens new headquarters on Upper West Side on September 18.
- Aperture's inaugural exhibition 'Aperture Loves New York' includes Dawoud Bey, Robert Frank, Deana Lawson, Carrie Mae Weems.
- VIA Art Fund spring 2026 grants total $390,000 to five artists.
- Phoenix Art Museum receives 185 Native American artworks from William Healey collection.
- New Museum partners with Penske Media for 'Art Week NYC'.
Entities
Artists
- Sam Gilliam
- Dr. Steven Nelson
- Dawoud Bey
- Robert Frank
- Deana Lawson
- Carrie Mae Weems
- Diana Al-Hadid
- Jordan Ann Craig
- Lavar Munroe
- Ronald Rael
- Kiyan Williams
- Rana Begum
- Jaune-Quick-to-See Smith
- Tony Abeyta
- Francesca Casadio
- Steven High
- Mary Sabbatino
Institutions
- Sam Gilliam Foundation
- Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts
- National Gallery of Art
- Aperture
- American Museum of Natural History
- VIA Art Fund
- Lehmann Maupin
- Phoenix Art Museum
- Getty Conservation Institute
- John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
- Florida State University
- Galerie Lelong
- New Museum
- Penske Media Corporation
- Artnews
- Art in America
- Artforum
- Hyperallergic
Locations
- Washington, DC
- United States
- New York
- Upper West Side
- Columbus Avenue
- 78th Street
- Boston
- New Guinea settlement
- North End
- Phoenix
- France