At the Stoa:
Connections that
shape the future.

The 22 October gathering marked Stoa’s first-ever symposium—a resounding success that brought together foundation leaders with members of the arts community from around the world. Over the course of the day, this newly connected community engaged in rich, cross-perspective discussions on stewardship, collaboration, governance, and public responsibility.

New models of stewardship and engagement
Led by Thomas Marks, the conversation examined how entrenched institutional practices can limit a foundation’s ability to realize mission-driven impact across collection stewardship, public engagement, and long-term relevance.
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‍Exchange as a tool for growth
Fondation H and Yinka Shonibare Foundation shared their cross-continent collaboration—a model of exchange that fueled institutional growth and signaled an emerging cultural shift taking shape across the sector.
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‍Evolving an institution mid-flight
Moderated by Andrew Goldstein, Sandra Terdjman and Philip Tinari reflected on legacy as a living responsibility—one advanced through experimentation, recalibration, and a readiness to transform institutional structures in real time.

‍Diplomacy in residencies
Bénédicte Alliot underscored the essential adaptability of residency programs, emphasizing the need to navigate political and social change while remaining steadfast in commitments to hospitality, safety, and intellectual freedom.