Collector + Curator Groups
Join one or more of our Collector + Curator Groups for exciting behind-the-scenes experiences, opportunities to travel with curators and select artworks to join the Speed collection. Learn more about our special groups and support the curatorial activities of the Museum in a uniquely special way.
All Collector + Curator Groups members must first be a Patron Circle member or above.
Charter Collectors
Speed Contemporary
Friends of the African and Native American Collections
Speed Cinema Producers
Art on Paper Society
Speed Design
Cinephiles
Charter Collectors
Charter Collectors are instrumental in acquiring major European and American paintings, sculptures, and works-on-paper for The Speed Art Museum’s collection. Members enjoy and learn about art while helping create a lasting artistic and educational legacy for the entire community.
Since its founding in 1966, Charter Collectors has become a national model for encouraging community participation in building a museum collection. We invite you to join us and support the group’s vital role in advancing the Speed’s mission of “bringing great art and people together.”
Charter Collectors’ acquisitions span the centuries from antiquity to 1945. Members participate actively in the process by joining Museum Curators in visiting art galleries across the country and by voting on acquisitions at the annual dinner. This exceptional access to some of the world’s best dealers and to curatorial expertise has introduced many Charter Collectors to the joys of personal collecting.
Led by Erika Holmquist-Wall, Chief Curator, Mary and Barry Bingham Sr. Curator of Painting and Sculpture
For tax purposes, membership to Charter Collectors is fully tax-deductible except for $240.
Member Benefits include:
- Participation in acquiring major works of art for the Speed Art Museum’s Collection
- Participation in unique trips to art dealers, museums, historic homes, and private collections in the US
- Invitations to special exhibition previews
- Invitation to attend and vote at the annual black-tie Charter Collectors Dinner
Charter Collectors Sponsored By:
Speed Contemporary
For tax purposes, membership to Speed Contemporary is fully tax deductible except for $150.
Speed Contemporary members enjoy:
- Exclusive participation in acquiring new works of art for the Speed’s permanent collection
- Access to distinctive national trips that combine visits to museums, architectural sites, galleries, private collections, and artists’ studios
- Invitations to lectures and special presentations given by the Curator of Contemporary Art and special guest speakers
- Invitation to the annual Speed Contemporary Dinner
Speed Contemporary group is sponsored by
Friends of the African and Native American Collections
Friends of the African and Native American Collections
This group addresses critical gaps in the Speed’s collection by engaging with Native American and African (diasporic) artists in support of the museum’s African and Native American collections and public programs. The group offers a friendly forum for learning and discussion about issues of concern to global African and Indigenous artists, culture-bearers, and creative communities. As well as aiding in the acquisition of art for the museum’s collection, Friends are invited to travel with the Curator to visit art fairs, galleries, and top-notch private collections as well as attend educational or cultural events. Friends celebrate and learn about art while supporting artists and helping to create a lasting artistic and educational legacy for the entire community.
Members support the activities and programs of the African and Native American Collections. This group offers a forum for learning and discussion about issues of concern to global African and Indigenous artists, culture-bearers, and creative communities. Members enjoy and learn about art while supporting artists and helping create a lasting artistic and educational legacy for the entire community.
Goals:
- Increase interest and participation in the Museum.
- Engage the community in Museum events that feature Black, African, Indigenous and/or Native American art and artists.
- Provide a forum for education, discussion, and enjoyment of Black and Indigenous arts and cultures.
- Support the acquisition of global African and Indigenous art for the permanent collection of the Speed Art Museum.
Friends of the African and Native American Collections are invited to join Sirene Martin, Assistant Curator and NAGPRA Coordinator, on trips throughout the United States to visit private collections, artists’ studios, art fairs and other educational events. Additionally, members of the group enjoy unique invitations and behind-the-scenes events and actively participate in growing the museum’s permanent collection by voting on acquisitions at the annual dinner.
To join $1,800 for Patron Circle member or $2,400 for non-members
Speed Cinema Producers
The Speed Cinema presents over 270 screenings throughout the year featuring a vibrant program of art house cinema selections featuring new releases of independent and international cinema featured at major film festivals around the globe, fascinating documentaries, new restorations, family films, collaborations celebrating local and national projects, cross-disciplinary work, internships to mentor the next generation of professionals working in film, and opportunities to connect the ideas of artists displayed in the museum’s galleries. The program strives to create an engaged audience experience through curatorial introductions, program notes to provide background on the films presented along with suggested viewing and suggested reading, post-screening discussions and panels, and filmmaker visits. Many of the strong thematic programs are focused on social/racial justice, the environment, the creative process of artists, film history, and how one can learn about the world through the experience of artists. Overall, the Speed Cinema is committed to building a stronger community through film.
Led by Dean Otto, curator of film
Arthouse cinema is a vital part of the film industry and the Speed Cinema is leading the way. The Speed Cinema has provided a platform for independent filmmakers to express their creativity and share their unique visions with the world. Many of the films showcased at the Speed explore complex and challenging themes, and they can be a powerful force for social change. Creating a sustainable future for the Speed Cinema will cement our institution as a driver of film discourse. We have come out of a period of streaming film and people want a curated experience, and finding work that is going to be inspiring and providing opportunities for community, connection, and discussion.
Speed Cinema provides a space for artistic expression. Arthouse films are not bound by the same commercial constraints as mainstream films. This allows filmmakers to take risks and experiment with new ideas. Arthouse films can be a powerful way to explore different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. It challenges the status quo. Arthouse films often deal with controversial or challenging topics. They can spark important conversations about social issues and raise awareness of important causes. Arthouse films can help us to see the world in new ways and challenge our preconceived notions.
In recent years, the Speed and many arthouse cinemas have faced some challenges. The rise of streaming services has made it easier for people to watch films at home, and this has led to a decline in attendance at arthouse cinemas. However, arthouse cinema is still an important part of the film industry, and it continues to play a vital role in promoting artistic expression, educating, and enlightening audiences, promoting diversity and inclusion, and supporting independent filmmakers. There are a variety of rewarding benefits to having the Speed Cinema in our community:
- To support independent filmmakers. Arthouse films are often made by independent filmmakers who have a unique vision and story to tell. These filmmakers often struggle to get their films made and distributed, but arthouse cinemas provide them with a platform to share their work with the world. Arthouse cinemas are essential to the survival of independent cinema.
- To promote diversity and inclusion. Arthouse films often feature characters and stories that are underrepresented in mainstream cinema. This can help to break down stereotypes and promote understanding and tolerance. Arthouse films can help create a more inclusive and equitable society. Supporting arthouse cinemas can help to ensure that these films are made and seen by a wider audience and showcasing artists from around the world who challenge ideas and humanize our experiences.
- To educate and enlighten audiences. Arthouse films can teach us about different cultures, historical events, and social issues. They can also help us to develop our critical thinking skills and appreciate the power of cinema. Donating money to arthouse cinemas can help to ensure that these films are available to people of all ages and backgrounds. They can also help us to develop our critical thinking skills and appreciate the power of cinema.
- To preserve cinema history and build a local community of filmmakers. Arthouse cinemas often show classic and repertory films. These films are an important part of cinema history, and they would be lost without the support of arthouse cinemas. Donating money to arthouse cinemas can help to ensur e that these films are preserved for future generations.
- To create a more vibrant cultural community. Arthouse cinemas are an important part of the cultural fabric of our communities. They provide a space for people to come together and experience art and culture. Donating money to arthouse cinemas can help to ensure that these cinemas remain vibrant and thriving.
The Speed Cinema needs your support to ensure that arthouse cinema continues to thrive. We are seeking a small and exclusive group of founding members for this film society to aid in continuing our list of growing achievements:
- A prestigious internship program. We have had cinema interns who have gone on to work within profound institutions such as: MOMA, the Criterion Channel, and NBC Universal.
- Inviting young students and families to experience film and programming
- State-of-the-art cinema with high-quality sound and resolution
- Filmmaker and Student access to rare screenings from around the world. Just as writers need to read, filmmakers need to have examples of filmmaking within the industry
- Showing high-level film in the cultural zeitgeist attracting attention from filmmakers and serving as host of such festivals such as the Flyover Film Festival, the French Film Festival, the Animation Show of Shows, and the Latin American Film Festival
Your support would make sure we continue to operate one of the region’s premier arthouse cinemas. We have a proven track record of success in opening this community up to new artists, experiences, and ideas. We are confident that we can deliver upon highlighting quality film that inspires and with your help, we can continue to be an outstanding hub for film.
Art on Paper Society
Whether you are an art lover or just art curious, an aspiring artist or a seasoned collector, you are invited to join the Speed in celebrating the creative power and visual appeal of prints, drawings, and photographs. From the virtuosity of a Dürer engraving to the elegance of a Matisse drawing, from the playfulness of a Daumier caricature to the monumentality of an O’Sullivan photograph—discover what inspires you.
The Art on Paper Society Curator Group offers its members the opportunity to engage with the curator, participate in exclusive behind-the-scenes events, and cultivate a richer knowledge and appreciation of works on paper. Membership in the Art on Paper Society supports the programs and activities of the Prints, Drawings, and Photographs department at the Speed.
For tax purposes, membership to Art on Paper is fully tax-deductible except for $140.
- Experience exclusive sneak peeks at new acquisitions before they go on display
- Receive VIP invitations to receptions, gallery talks, hands-on presentations, and lectures by special guest speakers.
- Make new friends and develop connections with other art enthusiasts
- Connect with the curator on visits to art dealers and fairs to learn about the process of building a museum collection, while enjoying the opportunity to start or grow your own private collection
- Join the curator to see regional exhibitions, print study rooms, conservation laboratories, printmakers’ studios, and more
Led by Kim Spence, Senior Director of Collections and Curator of Works on Paper
Speed Design
Celebrate great design. From yesterday. For today. Into tomorrow.
From objects to architecture and everything in between, Speed Design Curator Group members carry a backstage pass to the world of design. How do graphic designers turn words into art? What are the secrets of the cabinetmaker? Is that antique real or fake? How do architects—then and now—transform space into sculpture? Looking for answers to questions like these, we:
- Engage with artists, designers, and other creatives.
- Experience the art of making.
- Explore design from across the globe and around the corner.
Come join us for exclusive access to the Speed’s amazing collection and other unique, behind-the-scenes events.
For tax purposes, membership to Speed Design is fully tax-deductible except for $140.
Led by Scott Erbes, Curator of Decorative Arts and Design
Cinephiles
Cinephiles is a Curator Group helping to support the activities of the Speed’s film department. Members will be invited to take part in quarterly special Cinephile programs like films followed by discussion, sneak previews, filmmaker visits, and restorations.
For tax purposes, membership to Cinephiles is fully tax-deductible except for $140.
Cinephiles receive:
- Advance notice of film events and bi-monthly programs.
- A subscription to the Harlan Jacobson Talk Cinema series of advance screenings of new art house films plus discussions monthly September-April.
- Opportunity to connect with the Speed Curator of Film during his festival research trips to the Toronto International Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival, and the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.
- Invitations to join Talk Cinema’s major film festivals like San Sebastian, SouthBySouthwest in Austin Texas, the Cannes Film Festival, and India’s Golden Triangle, and the Kerala Film Festival.
- Reports from the Curator of Film following his festival research trips.
Led by Dean Otto, Curator of Film