The Block Collection Council

The Collection Council is a community of supporters who share a passion for art, learning, and the mission of The Block Museum. The Council is also a collaborative learning opportunity consistent with The Block’s educational mission. Meetings foreground conversation, shared inquiry, and collective decision-making. Each year, the group builds consensus to propose a work of art to The Block’s Acquisitions Committee. The Council also strengthens The Block’s resources for acquiring art and invests in structures and processes that support care for the collection and make it accessible to broad audiences.

Mission

Block Collection Council:

Provides financial resources to support the growth, care, and accessibility of The Block’s collection, which is critical to its teaching, learning and research mission
Serve as ambassadors for the collection by scouting artists of interest and tapping into members’ networks.
Participates in collaborative learning to gain knowledge of artists, art histories, museums, and the care of works of art
Supports The Block’s commitments and priorities with the continued goal of bringing new voices and global perspectives into The Block’s collection.

Membership

The Collection Council convenes virtually throughout the academic year, bringing together members based across the country. The Council members participate in dialogue with curators, artists, and peers, guided by an annual thematic focus that informs their annual acquisition recommendation. Council membership involves an annual charitable contribution in support of The Block’s collection initiatives. A dedicated giving tier is available for members under 40, encouraging emerging collectors and arts leaders to participate.

To learn more about joining the Collection Council, please contact:
Kate Hadley Toftness
Assistant Director of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives
kh.toftness@northwestern.edu

Collection Council Selects Work by Martin Wong and Sammy Baloji for 2024–2025 Acquisition

The Block Museum is pleased to announce that its Collection Council has selected and supported for acquisition works by Martin Wong and Sammy Baloji. The Collection Council convened virtually throughout the 2024–25 academic year, debating and narrowing down a shortlist of artists nominated by its members and The Block’s curatorial team. Focused on works reflecting this year’s theme, “the city” the works by Martin Wong and Sammy Baloji explore the changing dynamics of urban life. These acquisitions reflect the Council’s commitment to bringing powerful works into the collection that will challenge, engage, and inspire faculty and students to integrate them into teaching and learning for years to come.

Works by Tom Jones and Widline Cadet Acquired through The Block Museum’s 2023-2024 Collection Council

The Block Museum is excited to announce the Collection Council’s acquisition of two photographs by Tom Jones and two photographs by Widline Cadet. These selections will join The Block's permanent collection, aligning with the museum’s new strategic plan, which emphasizes collections-based teaching, interdisciplinary learning, and campus partnerships.

Photo of LaToya Ruby Frazier acquisition in Block printroom

Works by LaToya Ruby Frazier and An-My Lê acquired through The Block’s 2022-2023 Collection Council

The Block Museum is excited to announce the purchase of three works for its permanent collection, acquired through its newly formed Collection Council. These acquisitions—which include two works by photographer LaToya Ruby Frazier and one work by photographer An-My Lê—represent the museum’s commitment to acquiring works that activate teaching, learning, and research using The Block’s collection at Northwestern University.