A Guide to Young Artist Patrons Organizations in New York
Joining an NYC young artist patron group may seem daunting and confusing at first. What will the events be like? How will I fit in? What types of people will I meet? Whether you are a dedicated patron of the arts or a young professional looking to surround themselves with new people, there is an organization for you at one of the many museums and institutions the city has to offer. Here are some of the top organizations to join and what you need to know.
The Young Patrons Council of The Museum of Modern Art
This organization at MoMA is for individuals ages 21 to 40 and is one of New York City’s first young patron programs. The Young Patrons Council participates in and supports modern and contemporary art initiatives both at the museum and within the greater art world. Through exclusive access to galleries, artist studios, private collections, and curatorial tours, members are given the chance to build lasting relationships with artists, collectors, curators. According to Dasha Bril of Guest of a Guest, “This one’s less for party crashers and more for the real art aficionados. Membership to MOMA’s Young Patrons gives you access to lots of curatorial walk-throughs and introductions to collecting.”
The Apollo Circle: Young Donors to The Met
The Apollo Circle is a significant aspect of The Met’s philanthropic community. It is of the more prestigious committees, but unfortunately, no, you won’t be given access into the Met Gala. However, some perks include tickets to the Spring Garden Party, reservations at the Trustees Dining Room, and access to the Balcony Lounge. Members can also attend exhibition opening receptions and are given benefits at 16 other museums nationwide.
Guests filled the hall of the Temple of Dendur for one of the Met's biggest annual fundraisers, the Apollo Circle Benefit. Photo: Tiffany Sage/BFA.com
The Armory Avant-Garde: Young Membership Program
The Avant-Garde is a group of individuals in their 20s to 40s who are given a more intimate connection to the unique and creative concepts behind the Armory’s mission. Avant-Garde members can look forward to Avant-Garde Night performances, complimentary pre-show/post-show events, opening night visual arts previews, and curated events planned for Avant-Garde members around New York City. Members make contributions to programming and support the Armory’s mission: to create unconventional work that cannot be mounted in traditional performance halls and museums.
The Whitney Contemporaries
The Whitney Contemporaries are the Whitney Museum’s group of art enthusiasts, supporters, and advocates, ages twenty-one to forty. Contemporaries Patrons can enjoy opportunities such as private collection visits, as well as insider experiences with artists and curators. There is also a variety of events to choose from each month, including “Weekend Member Mornings” and “Preview Nights.” One might say the best benefit is discounted tickets to the museum’s annual Art Party, where you can see celebrities walk the red carpet and immerse yourself in live music and craft cocktails.
The Guggenheim’s Young Collectors Council (YCC)
The YCC is a group of 21 to 40 that supports The Guggenheim’s landmark building, exhibitions, collections, and educational programs. They are contemporary art enthusiasts who aim to expand their knowledge through curator-led programs and special events such as curator-led tours, artist interactions, private collection visits, and more. Members also convene for the bi-annual meeting to further the YCC’s mission of acquiring emerging, contemporary art for the museum’s permanent collection and supporting our groundbreaking exhibitions and education initiatives. There is also a variety of affinity groups a YCC member may be invited to join, such as the Collections Council, Photography Council, Education Committee, or Asian Art Circle.
The Guggenheim’s Young Collectors Council Event
Young Fellows of The Frick Collection
Looking for something beyond contemporary art? Then, the Young Fellows might be for you. This group of supporters are between the ages of 21 and 45 and receive insider access to The Frick Collection, including a priority viewing of their newly enhanced Fifth Avenue home. They enjoy special programming and events such as curator-led talks, tours, evening viewings, and the annual Spring Garden Party. The Young Fellows also host the Young Fellows Ball, an annual event that benefits the Frick’s Education Department.
