backstory: Bright Ideas
I’ve mentioned before that the Neuberger is always looking for ways to lighten our footprint—literally and figuratively.
Part of our strategic plan is to embrace more sustainable ways of doing things. That’s why I’m thrilled to share that we’ve received a $50,000 Implementation Grant from the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative to initiate a gallery LED lighting conversion project. The Neuberger is one of seventy-four institutions nationwide that the Frankenthaler Foundation selected to receive funding this year.
This is about more than just swapping out bulbs. Lighting plays a crucial role in how we experience artwork—it can shape mood, affect color perception, even influence pacing and flow through an exhibition. With this grant, we’ll be able to start replacing outdated halogen fixtures with high‑efficiency LEDs, allowing us to be more energy efficient, take better care of the artwork we steward, and improve visitor experience. It’s a great start to a long‑term project that promises big results: better for the planet, better for the art.
I’d also like to give a special shout‑out to Friends of the Neuberger Museum of Art Board Member Bonnie Romano, who, when she heard about the grant and that there was still plenty of LED fundraising to do, immediately offered to support it as well. Thanks, Bonnie!
We are proud to be part of a growing movement in the cultural sector that sees climate action not as a separate initiative, but as a fundamental part of doing our work well.
Tracy Fitzpatrick
Director, Neuberger Museum of Art
