A Letter from Ruby Lerner to the Creative Capital Community

Ruby Lerner
Eighteen years ago, Arch Gillies, then President of the Warhol Foundation, took me to lunch to talk about the seed of an idea: a new initiative that would support individual artists in a radically different way, combining money with advisory services and making long-term commitments to artists and their projects. I could never have known what a journey we were embarking on with that meeting! Working closely with Arch, a core group of 22 funders and a small but dedicated staff (many of whom are still with us today), we launched Creative Capital in 1999 and invented a new kind of philanthropy. The success of this ongoing experiment has surpassed all of our wildest dreams, ensuring that bold artists have a voice in America and that they have the support and resources they need to sustain their careers.
After nearly 17 amazing and inspiring years, I have decided that 2015 will be my last full year at Creative Capital. I could not be prouder of what our growing staff, our dedicated board and I have built, and the incredible things our artists have accomplished. Creative Capital is in an exceedingly strong place programmatically and financially, and I feel that the time is right for me to pass the organization on to its next leader. I announced this decision internally to our board in early 2014, and they have been working towards an orderly and timely transition since that time. The board will publicly announce and launch its search for a new Director in July. I am committed to staying at Creative Capital throughout the process, and to support my successor during the transition in whatever way is best for the organization.
I am so grateful to you for supporting Creative Capital and going on this journey with us. We couldn’t have done it without you, and your continued support will ensure a bright future for the organization. Creative Capital has taught me so much and this generous community is truly my extended family. I so look forward to continuing our relationship as I investigate new adventures!


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