Remuseum and Doris Duke Foundation Launch $100,000 Vanguard Award for Arts Leaders

In collaboration with the Doris Duke Foundation, Remuseum has introduced The Vanguard, an annual award of $100,000 along with a year-long accelerator program aimed at leaders of nonprofit visual and performing arts organizations in the U.S. with budgets exceeding $1 million. Each year, up to ten leaders will benefit from funding for their institutions, alongside structured support that includes a residential retreat at Shangri La in Honolulu, monthly coaching sessions, peer meetings, and workshops. The curriculum, crafted by Jenny Larios Berlin and Gregory Bunch with contributions from Bill Aulet, will open for applications in May 2026, with the inaugural cohort revealed later that same year. This initiative seeks to provide risk capital and institutional authorization for innovation, tackling issues such as dwindling attendance and funding deficiencies. Stephen Reily of Remuseum and Sam Gill from the Doris Duke Foundation highlighted the necessity of fostering bold leadership, while Mariko Silver described the award as an essential enhancement to the sector. The program will conclude with a public presentation and aims to develop into a mentoring network.