The controversial plan to dissolve the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, through a merger with the nearby National Gallery of Art and George Washington University (see artnet News report) received the backing of district attorney general Irvin B. Nathan this week, even as opponents of the plan continue efforts to thwart its implementation, reports the Washington Post.
A brief issued by Nathan’s office on Wednesday called the proposed merger the best way out of a bad situation: “the District supports [the reorganization] because [it] will allow the Corcoran’s assets to continue to be used in DC consistently with the charitable purposes to which they have been dedicated.” The office is responsible for regulating charities such as the Corcoran, and represents the city in the case, so Nathan’s support gives the Corcoran a major boost.
