Arts Supporter & Advocate Interview: 10 Questions with Sabrina Hahn
Sabrina Hahn believes in and supports increasing access to the arts and arts education, especially for children. Her children’s book ABCs of Art sparks creativity and curiosity by introducing children to some of the world’s most iconic paintings in a playful and interactive way. As an art collector, dealer, curator and now author, Hahn is an active supporter of – and advocate for – the arts nationwide. She serves on a wide array of arts and cultural committees, including the Guggenheim Young Collectors Council Acquisitions Committee and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Junior Associates. Hahn has also previously served as a Founding Member of the Neue Galerie Junior Council Committee and as the Curatorial Advisor of the international philanthropic public art initiative The Brain Project.
With two weeks until the inaugural Arts Funders Forum event in Miami Beach, we spoke with Hahn about engaging young supporters in arts philanthropy.
Sabrina Hahn and a class reading her book ABCs of Art. Image courtesy of Sabrina Hahn.
Tell us what you do.
I am an art dealer and the author of children’s book ABCs of Art (Sky Pony Press and Simon & Schuster). ABCs of Art is now in stores nationwide at Barnes & Noble, independent bookstores like Books of Wonder, and museums including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Guggenheim Museum, and the National Gallery of Art. I also enjoy sharing art on Instagram @HahnFineArt.
What do the arts mean to you?
Art has opened up the wonders of human imagination, expression, and creativity to me. It transcends boundaries and connects humanity on the deepest level. Art is magical!
What inspired you to build a career in the art world?
Art has always been a unifying thread in my life, from childhood when I explored museums with my mother – also an art lover – through university as an art history major exploring the creative output of artists across geographies and time periods. Art history introduced me to diverse cultures and enriched my understanding of how people experience the world around them. Now, I am incredibly fortunate to engage with wonderful artists, their impactful artworks, and curators and collectors building public and private collections of distinction.
In your view, what impact do the arts have on society?
I care deeply about arts education and helping to make art more accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. Art can be the spark that ignites action and inspires change. Artists directly shape culture, and culture permeates all aspects of our lives.
What inspired you to write the children’s book ABCs of Art?
I wanted to write a book that would make art fun and accessible to children, to encourage them to experience art in a playful and interactive way from a young age. I hope ABCs of Art will inspire future artists and art lovers. It is also important to me for children who may not have direct exposure to the arts to experience this book, so for every preorder of ABCs of Art, a copy of the book was donated to children’s hospitals and nonprofits across the country, totaling in the thousands. It has been such a joy to see children enjoy this book.
Are there any specific arts and cultural causes are you most passionate about?
Arts education.
You are active in numerous young art patrons’ groups, including MoMA Junior Associates and the Guggenheim Young Collectors Council Acquisitions Committee. How do you believe we can better engage the next generation of young donors?
Engaging the next generation of young supporters of the arts and arts education is an incredibly exciting frontier. I think empowering this generation with agency in philanthropic endeavors - making it a highly personal experience, where their voice counts - is a compelling way to connect with them.
What do you believe the role of museum councils is in shaping institutional collections, as well as in fundraising to support new acquisitions?
Museum councils are fantastic communities of individuals from unique backgrounds, each able to contribute their perspective to help shape collections. I think the more diverse and inclusive these councils become, the better.
Do you have any advice for donors who are interested in or just starting to support the arts?
Philanthropy is a personal journey, and hopefully a lifelong endeavor. It is important to find people and institutions with similar values and work closely together.
Your Instagram @HahnFineArt, which chronicles your work and adventures in the art world, has amassed a dedicated follower base of over 66,000 people. How do you think social media has impacted awareness of and fundraising for the art world?
Social media is an exciting way to spread the word about philanthropic opportunities and calls to action. It is super cool that we can engage a global community around shared interests and causes.