How we help
The American Friends of the V&A was incorporated in 1984. Since then the AFV&A has supported many aspects of the V&A's program and development.
FuturePlan
The V&A has grown from a small collection of objects that were bought in 1851 into the UK's national museum of art and design. It is now not just one building but a collection of buildings covering 12.5 acres. The Museum's long-term redevelopment program, FuturePlan, will renew the 150-year-old museum, bringing it into the 21st century while retaining its history and quality.
As part of FuturePlan, the AFV&A has supported the creation of the V&A/RIBA Architecture Gallery, which opened in 2004. We are delighted also to be supporting the Medieval and Renaissance Galleries, the flagship development project which will open in 2009 (preparations for the galleries pictured, below right).
Extending the collection
The V&A continues to build an encyclopedic collection, representing the best of contemporary art and design alongside 5000 years of beautiful artifacts. The AFV&A provides valuable financial support for acquisitions, helping keep the V&A's collection complete and relevant. The AFV&A has supported the acquisition of, among other objects, an important collection of posters, a set of Christopher Dresser teapots and a Surrealist coat by Elsa Schiaparelli and Jean Cocteau (pictured, top).
Supporting scholarship and conservation
The V&A works hard to maintain its position as a leading centre for research into art and design. The AFV&A has funded curatorial fellowships and publications, as well as projects that help assess and conserve the V&A's collection for future generations.
Achieving our goals
The AFV&A is only able to offer support through the generosity of its donors. We are very grateful for all the gifts we have received from both individuals and foundations. We would like to recognize and acknowledge their invaluable kindness.
