The Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C. has received a gift of $1 million from British artist and philanthropist Basil Alkazzi for the acquisition of paintings and drawings by contemporary American and British artists. Alkazzi decided to make the generous donation to the Hirshhorn because of his admiration for the museum’s commitment to supporting emerging artists.
Kerry Brougher, the Hirshhorn’s interim director and chief curator, said, “His gift will allow the Hirshhorn to significantly enhance its holdings of hand-painted paintings and drawings by key figures in the U.S. and U.K. As we celebrate and highlight our collection this year during our 40th anniversary, we are thrilled that thanks to the public-spiritedness of donors like Basil Alkazzi this collection will continue to grow and be a lasting legacy to the nation.”
The Hirshhorn focuses its collection-building and exhibition-planning on modern and contemporary art and sculpture.
