The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) has received a groundbreaking $10 million gift from the Stoneridge Foundation to significantly expand its art education initiatives. This donation represents the largest single contribution in the museum's history and will fundamentally transform how the institution approaches educational programming for students and families throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area.
The generous gift comes from the Stoneridge Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by Baltimore-based philanthropists Amy and Marc Meadows. The couple has been longtime supporters of the BMA and maintains patronage relationships with other prestigious American cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.
BMA Director Asma Naeem emphasized the transformative nature of this donation, explaining that it positions education as a central mission rather than a secondary function. "This gift makes education not an ancillary activity, but rather part of the heart of the work of what makes museums vital to cultural and civic society," Naeem told The Art Newspaper. She further noted that the contribution demonstrates how museums can serve as educational pillars beyond traditional school systems, stating, "On a broader level, this gift signals that education and philanthropic support for it do not just have to come through schools. Museums can also amplify education through their long-standing civic role."
The substantial funding will support multiple educational initiatives designed to benefit students and families in Baltimore and surrounding communities. Key programs include covering transportation costs for school field trips, providing free family activities, and establishing an innovative two-year pass system that will allow participating students to bring up to four guests each to visit the museum at no charge.
A significant portion of the gift will fund teaching apprenticeships for undergraduate students from local universities, particularly the Maryland Institute College of Art and other nearby institutions. These apprenticeships will provide hands-on experience in designing and implementing educational programs that connect theoretical knowledge with practical application during crucial formative years in students' academic careers.
"Many students enter college not knowing exactly what they are going to be doing, and many have not even thought of museums as a potential career option," Naeem explained. "The initiative will introduce core principles of museum and education: inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, interdisciplinary exploration and reflection."
The BMA plans to launch a series of events in the coming months that will explore museums' roles as civic organizations and promote greater diversity within the cultural sector. These gatherings will bring together artists, community members, young people, and educators to foster dialogue about museums' community impact and accessibility.
The donation will also fund new full-time positions within the museum's education department. Currently, the BMA's education team consists of 14 staff members, which Naeem describes as insufficient to meet the high demand for educational programming and community outreach initiatives the museum receives.
Amy Meadows' connection to the BMA spans decades, beginning in her childhood when her family participated in the museum's former rental-and-purchase program. Through this initiative, which was once common among American museums, her family acquired their first artwork—a piece by Andy Warhol—which Meadows continues to own today.
Naeem praised the philanthropic approach of Amy and Marc Meadows, describing them as exemplary art patrons. "Amy and Marc are the gold standard of what art patrons should be: intellectually engaged and deeply understanding of how their philanthropy can be optimized," she said. "They are global art aficionados yet deeply humble and invested in the less flashy moments of the art world. Their commitment to art has both a moral compass and a soul. It's not just about art and its beauty and history, but also how art connects to the city and enriches communities."
This major gift builds upon the recent opening of the museum's Patricia and Mark Joseph Education Center in 2023, further solidifying the BMA's dedication to using education as a tool for community enhancement. Naeem, who previously worked as a criminal prosecutor, brings a unique perspective to museum leadership, having witnessed how education and arts exposure can provide transformative opportunities for individuals from challenging backgrounds.
"I have seen the underbelly of humanity and seen firsthand how education, and specifically the arts, provide people with challenging upbringings a path toward a brighter future," Naeem reflected on her previous career experience and current museum philosophy.
As museums nationwide grapple with existential challenges including funding shortages and adapting to digital transformation, Naeem views positioning the BMA as an educational hub as crucial for maintaining institutional relevance. She emphasized that museums serve multiple functions beyond artwork display, explaining, "Creating meaningful connections to artwork isn't all museums do—they also create meaningful relationships among visitors. It's all part of a larger interconnected society we're seeking to achieve."
The museum's current educational reach is substantial, with approximately 15,000 students visiting annually, ranging from kindergarten pupils to university students. With this historic donation, Naeem anticipates significantly increasing these visitor numbers in the coming years, expanding the BMA's impact on regional education and community engagement.
