Austin foundation gifts $10 million to art at UT

The Still Water Foundation, a private family foundation based in Austin, has given $5 million to UT’s Blanton Museum of Art and $5 million to Landmarks, the university’s public art program. UT Austin President Gregory L. Fenves said in a press release, “The Still Water Foundation is leaving their own creative imprint on our historic campus, one that will be appreciated and enjoyed by students, scholars and visitors at UT for decades to come.” Blanton Director Simone Wicha said, “A longstanding supporter of the museum for three decades, the Still Water Foundation has had an impact that can be felt across the Blanton. … This recent gift towards the Blanton’s master plan project, one of the museum’s most significant projects, underlines Still Water’s dedication to championing the arts, education and the environment on campus, in Austin and beyond.” With around 19,000 objects, the Blanton boasts the largest public collection of art in Central Texas. The gift to Landmarks will serve as the foundation of the program’s endowment campaign. Jill Wilkinson, president of the Still Water Foundation, said, “Landmarks and the Blanton represent outstanding programs at the University of Texas. These programs are jewels in our community that all of us should be excited to experience and support.”