We were delighted to host the World Art Foundations for an engaging evening of conversation and connection on March 31 at the James Howell Foundation.
The program began with a thoughtful roundtable led by Laura Bardier, Executive Director of the James Howell Foundation; James Merle Thomas, Deputy Director of the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation; and Dina Giordano, Executive Director of the Grove Foundation for the Arts. Their discussion offered valuable insight into the evolving role of artist foundations today. Thank you to our speakers and to everyone who joined us for such a lively and generous exchange.
© The James Howell Foundation. Videography: Spencer Reagan.
Laura Bardier is a New York-based curator, writer, and executive. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the James Howell Foundation and is the Founding Director of the ESTE ARTE Cultural Summit & Art Fair. Since 2018, Bardier has led the James Howell Foundation, overseeing its incorporation and implementing a strategic plan that has successfully expanded access, awareness, and engagement with James Howell’s artistic practice. In February 2014, Bardier established ESTE ARTE, a platform that has significantly reshaped the art landscape of South America. She has written extensively about contemporary art in various publications and has curated several exhibitions. Bardier is actively involved in several professional organizations, serving as the Chair of Governance at ArtTable and as a board member for ICI - Independent Curators International and Creative Capital. She holds an MA in Curatorial Studies from Donau Universität in Austria and an undergraduate degree from Università degli Studi di Firenze in Italy.
James Merle Thomas is a scholar, curator, and executive with two decades of experience in cultural, academic, and creative arts sectors. He is currently the Inaugural Deputy Director at the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, where he shapes strategic partnerships with a wide range of universities, museums, and cultural institutions, including the Foundation's Frankenthaler Climate Initiative (FCI). Prior to joining the Frankenthaler Foundation, Thomas served as the Executive Director of the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies at the Aspen Institute, and as Assistant Professor of Art History at Temple University. A prolific scholar and curator, Thomas served as part of the core curatorial and editorial team responsible for the 2nd Seville Biennial (2006), the 7th Gwangju Biennale (2008), and the Third Paris Triennale (2012). His creative projects encompass large-scale exhibitions and creative projects, academic anthologies, and scholarly and general writing about art, technology, and media of the 20th and 21st centuries. His collaborations include the production of books with visual artist Walead Beshty; albums and media environments with musicians Mikael Jorgensen and William Tyler; and a feature-length documentary with filmmaker Meghan O'Hara.
Dina Giordano is a creative consultant and strategic advisor. She leads clients through a unique process and methodology that she developed. This process helps transition businesses from their current state to a position of growth. Her methodology is as creative as it is strategic and stems from her academic background in architecture. With over 15 years of experience combining business development, leadership, and marketing with extensive management and advising entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders in the growth stage of planning and scaling or repositioning in the market. Dina has traveled, giving lectures and workshops, from corporate retreats to international conferences.
World Art Foundations (WAF) was established in 2014 by Peter Deckers and Helena Stork as the only global network exclusively dedicated to private art foundations—whether founded by individuals, artists, or companies. WAF serves as a central hub for foundation leaders and decision-makers to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and inspire one another—fostering a spirit of collaboration rooted in shared values and common goals. Through exclusive content and targeted programs, WAF provides meaningful support tailored to the evolving visions, missions, and objectives of art foundations worldwide—helping to build a stronger, more connected art world.
The James Howell Foundation, established by D. Joy Howell and the James Howell estate in 2017 and directed by Laura Bardier, aims to perpetuate Howell’s legacy and provide access to his archives. This is accomplished through publications, exhibitions, and artwork donations. The Foundation also supports art professionals and artists, especially those who embrace Howell’s interdisciplinary spirit. For instance, the organization collaborates with nonprofits to offer opportunities for students in curatorial and art historical programs. Moreover, grants and donations are awarded to institutions that align with the Foundation’s mission.