NEW YORK, NY.- El Museo del Barrio announced an $8 million gift from philanthropist, author and activist MacKenzie Scott, marking the largest single gift received in the Museum’s history. Recognized as one of 286 high-impact organizations in categories and communities that have been historically underfunded and overlooked, the transformative grant will support the Museum’s work to uphold its mission and provide long-term stability for the legacy institution––the first museum in the country committed to celebrating Latinx and Caribbean art and culture.

“This monumental gift represents a significant recognition of the historical and cultural contributions of more than 60 million Latinxs in this country, and of the mission and legacy of El Museo del Barrio. For more than 50 years, the Museum has been dedicated to this inspiring community, and artists who have made El Museo their home. We are inspired by the generosity of MacKenzie Scott and her team, and honored to continue expanding and advancing the artistic and cultural legacy of Latinxs. Pa’lante!,” said Patrick Charpenel, Executive Director, El Museo del Barrio.

“Arts and cultural institutions can strengthen communities by transforming spaces, fostering empathy, reflecting community identity, advancing economic mobility, improving academic outcomes, lowering crime rates, and improving mental health, so we evaluated smaller arts organizations creating these benefits with artists and audiences from culturally rich regions and identity groups that donors often overlook,” said Scott in a Tuesday, June 15 announcement posted online.

“Gracias to MacKenzie Scott and her team for their exemplary leadership and vision. This gift will enable El Museo del Barrio to build on its important legacy as a community-centered institution, achieve long-term stability, and continue serving as the nation’s leading Latinx cultural institution for years to come,” said Maria Eugenia Maury, Board Chair, El Museo del Barrio.

The gift forms part of the philanthropist’s latest round of awards totaling $2.74 billion to organizations across the United States. The timing and details regarding the use of the gift are currently being worked out by the Museum.