Agnes Gund Quotes, born August 13, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio, is an American philanthropist, art collector, and patron, renowned for her transformative contributions to the arts and social justice. As President Emerita of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and founder of Studio in a School (1977), she championed arts education in public schools. Her Art for Justice Fund, seeded with a $100 million sale of a Roy Lichtenstein painting, supports criminal justice reform. These 15 quotes—sourced from interviews, public statements, and articles—reflect her passion for art, education, equity, and the power of creativity, capturing her generous and visionary spirit.
15 Agnes Gund Quotes
- “Recycling old buildings to show art is very important.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I’m so lucky in my life, but I’m so unlucky in my abilities. I love art so much, but I’m unable to produce it.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The arts capture our insecurities, quicken our instincts, guide us through threats. They help us know ourselves.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Art shouldn’t be prohibited in public schools when kids in private schools always get it.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “You don’t have a balanced life if you don’t have art.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I don’t want to be in-name-only for committees.” (Interview, ArtReview, 2005)
- “I’m hoping someday that we’ll be able to start a consortium with places like Carnegie Hall to work on early childhood education.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “If it’s taught well, art really is important to kids early on. It helps children develop language and allows them to see themselves in a way that isn’t right or wrong.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “However dark, however demanding the realities of existence are, artists provide the lift, the light, the ways to make it through.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I have the same sense of discovery and exhilaration from objects of design and everyday use.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Of course, museums and galleries and art spaces will continue to ground the art world. But certainly the public—as well as artists—also benefit when art is encountered in other everyday situations.” (Interview, excerpty.com, 2022)
- “The need we have for understanding and acceptance is much greater. The arts are uniquely able to help us meet the greater needs.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “My education in the arts began at the Cleveland Museum of Art. As a Cleveland child, I visited the museum’s halls and corridors, gallery spaces and shows, over and over.” (Interview, Gagosian Quarterly, 2018)
- “We share the importance of the arts, not only in society but also in building one’s self-esteem.” (Interview, healing-power-of-art.org, n.d.)
- “I own works by women artists; it is hard for me to see, literally to see, how women and men differ in the quality of their work.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
Agnes Gund’s quotes radiate a deep commitment to art, education, and justice, inspiring readers to see creativity as a force for connection and change. Which one stirs your passion for a better world? Drop it in the comments and keep her visionary legacy thriving!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
Email – business@mylittledesire.com
