AGNES GUND Obituary

GUND--Agnes. The Board of Directors and staff of Studio in a School Association mourn the passing of our Founder and Chair Emerita, Agnes Gund. Aggie was a visionary and a true force of nature. In 1977, when arts programs were being cut due to New York City's fiscal crisis, she insisted that public school children have access to quality arts programming, and that programming could be led by working artists who would benefit from meaningful part-time employment. Her vision led to the creation of Studio in a School which, almost 50 years later, continues to provide arts programming to tens of thousands of children throughout the City, as well as internship and career opportunities for high school and college students in conjunction with Bloomberg Philanthropies. Faced with skepticism and bureaucratic obstacles from the outset, Aggie never wavered in her steadfast commitment to -- and generous support of -- her vision. Those of us on the Board had the extraordinary privilege of working with her and experiencing firsthand her strength, her wise counsel, and her generosity. Our deepest condolences to her beloved children and grandchildren, and to the wonderful staff who supported Aggie's work and who guided us. Hasna Muhammad, Chair, Studio in a School Association