(New York, May 10, 2011)—Anna Wintour has been named an Elective Trustee of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, it was announced today by James R. Houghton, the Museum's Chairman. Ms. Wintour's election took place at the May 10 meeting of the Board.
"Anna Wintour's tireless work on behalf of the Museum has transformed the Costume Institute Benefit, which has long been referred to as the 'Party of the Year,' into something much more," Mr. Houghton commented. "This annual event, now more than ever, is the main source of funding for the operations and activities of The Costume Institute year-round, including the care and display of its stellar collection of more than 35,000 costumes and accessories, now the largest and most comprehensive costume collection in the world. It has also generated major funding toward rebuilding The Costume Institute in the years ahead."
Ms. Wintour, editor in chief of Vogue magazine, had been an Honorary Trustee of the Met since January 1999. In her role as benefit chair and fundraiser, Ms. Wintour has raised approximately $85 million for The Costume Institute. Her work has included co-chairing 13 benefits since 1995, as well as helping to secure sponsorships to fund exhibitions and projects.
"Anna has been a singular force in support of The Costume Institute," said Thomas P. Campbell, Director of the Museum. "Each year she sets the goals higher and each year we are overwhelmed by the benefit's results. This success has laid the foundation for the Costume Institute's future, most notably its forthcoming renovation to allow the public greater access to the collection. Her commitment to our work in this field is truly unparalleled."
Ms. Wintour has been Editor in Chief of Vogue since 1988 and serves as Editorial Director of Teen Vogue, which she launched in 2001.
She played a strategic role in developing the CFDA/Vogue Initiative to raise money in the fight against AIDS, chiefly through the renowned Seventh on Sale program. She spearheaded the establishment of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2003 to aid emerging American fashion designers. Since its inception, the program has expanded internationally. In 2009, in response to the economic downturn, she developed Fashion's Night Out, a global program designed to promote the retail industry, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion.
She has been the recipient of many awards for her leadership and philanthropic efforts, including the CFDA Award for Lifetime Achievement and the Award of Courage for AIDS Research from amFAR. In 2008, for her service to British journalism and fashion in the United States, Ms. Wintour was appointed to the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II. In October 2009, President Obama appointed Ms. Wintour to the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities.
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May 11, 2011
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