MAM Rio's Financial Turnaround Under Fabio Szwarcwald

On January 13, 2020, Fabio Szwarcwald took the helm of the Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro (MAM Rio), just prior to the onset of the pandemic. Under his guidance, the museum has seen improvements in its financial situation, which had previously been alleviated by the sale of a Jackson Pollock painting in 2019. Szwarcwald brought in 25 corporate sponsors and over 45 patrons, managing annual expenses of R$ 13 million with a staff of 91. He established a partnerships department and appointed co-artistic directors Keyna Eleison and Pablo Lafuente from 103 projects. Visitor numbers tripled, and box office earnings nearly doubled due to a suggested contribution model. Szwarcwald also revitalized the Bloco Escola, receiving 3,500 applications for 38 residency spots, while voicing concerns about the Bolsonaro administration's effects on cultural institutions.