Can a woman in the arts be everywhere? As board chair of YoungArts, president of the board of trustees at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, president of the Arison Arts Foundation, patron to multiple arts organizations and a mom, Sarah Arison is omnipresent. Arison’s work, centered in Miami, resonates with artists and creative institutions on both national and global levels. Accomplished with an upbeat elegance, Arison remains refresh- ingly accessible for someone whose job is global philanthropy.

Founded in 1981, YoungArts is a national program headquartered in Miami’s historic Bacardi complex. Has Miami’s context influenced organizational outcomes?

Miami has been YoungArts’ home since day one. While we’ve planted deep roots, we’ve expanded programming countrywide. Being based in a vibrant, internationally connected city allows us to align with global art constituents and cultivate meaningful investment in artists’ futures, enriching our ever-growing community of 23,000-plus creatives. We honor the past by fearlessly forging ahead with artists and their needs as our guide.

Why does Arison Arts Foundation fore front support for emerging artists and institutions today?

Something that often gets lost in ‘the art world’ is that it’s entirely based on individuals—passionate creatives who reflect the world around us, challenge us and bring light to pressing issues of our time. Without them, there are no institutions, no galleries, no auction houses, no fairs... yet there is little support for them at all critical junctures of their education and careers. In supporting artists, we support the entire ecosystem, and in creating relationships between organizations, we build a network of continuous support. 

What defines successful family philanthropy to you?

With YoungArts and Arison Arts Foundation, I am constantly thinking how to honor the original mission while moving the organizations forward. Arison Arts Foundation was originally established to ensure the continuity of the two organizations my grandparents founded—YoungArts and the New World
Symphony. When I took over as Arison Arts Foundation president, I realized the possibilities of expanding our work, the benefits of partnership and our impact potential.

How is MoMA New York evolving to meet this decade’s challenges?

MoMA continues to embrace new forms of expression and champion artists from around the world. Capable, creative leadership is crucial to our success, and we are truly fortunate to have had the visionary and dynamic direction of Glenn Lowry for the last 30 years—and to move forward in September with the brilliant new leadership of Christophe Cherix to build on the museum’s success.

If your daughters continue your work, what advice would you give them?

I spent the first decade of my career in boardrooms listening, attending programming, meeting everyone who would speak with me… so I would tell them to dive in, immerse themselves and learn. So much of this field is based on people and relationships.

You participate in and support multiple arts programs. Who has influenced you?

I’ve worked with the most extraordinary people—inspirations include my grandmother, Aggie Gund, Glenn Lowry, Marie-Josée Kravis, Elizabeth Alexander, Darren Walker, Connie Butler, Deana Haggag, Nicola Lees, Clive Chang, Michi Jigarjian and so many more. And all of the extraordinary artists I’ve been fortunate to work with.

Philanthropy is your full-time job. What do people not realize that you do?

It’s not all glamorous galas! That’s the very small part people see—the vast majority is financial reports, grant requests, HR, PR, fundraising and adapting to everything the world is throwing at us these days, such as COVID-19 and nationwide political dynamics. ... That being said, it’s still my dream job.