L.A. Museums' Collections Grow Despite Poor Economy

Los Angeles Times, Feb. 11, 2009 — As Los Angeles art museums face the future in a down economy, building their collections may not be the highest priority, but it's a big worry.

Will art acquisition funds dwindle to nothing? Will once-dependable patrons stop writing checks when curators pass the hat for art purchases? Will potential art gifts go to market? Will more museums pool resources to make joint purchases, as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Fowler Museum at UCLA recently did to buy a huge tapestry-like construction made by African artist El Anatsui using metal castoffs?