Marina Abramović's $661K Kickstarter funds used for OMA design fees, not returned
Marina Abramović raised $661,452 on Kickstarter from over 4,700 backers for a physical MAI (Marina Abramović Institute) in New York, designed by Rem Koolhaas and Shohei Shigematsu of OMA. The project was abandoned due to excessive costs. The funds were used to pay for the preliminary design phase, not returned. Kickstarter confirmed it knew the money would fund the preliminary project. Rewards were fulfilled: $1 donors received a hug, $100 donors a DVD, $10,000 donors a "spiritual cooking" dinner. The MAI has not specified if all funds went to OMA or elsewhere. Abramović has not commented. The story was reported by Artribune in 2017.
Key facts
- Marina Abramović raised $661,452 on Kickstarter for a physical MAI in New York.
- The MAI was designed by Rem Koolhaas and Shohei Shigematsu of OMA.
- The project was abandoned due to excessive costs.
- The funds were used to pay for the preliminary design phase, not returned.
- Kickstarter confirmed it knew the money would fund the preliminary project.
- Rewards were fulfilled: $1 donors received a hug, $100 donors a DVD, $10,000 donors a spiritual cooking dinner.
- The MAI has not specified if all funds went to OMA or elsewhere.
- Abramović has not commented on the matter.
Entities
Artists
- Marina Abramović
Institutions
- MAI – Marina Abramović Institute
- OMA
- Kickstarter
- ArtReview
- Artribune
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Belgrade
- Serbia