The Arts: Investing in the Future of Creativity
Philanthropist Robert F. Smith is an arts and music enthusiast and a champion of causes that help youth and young adults pursue careers in these fields. Smith developed a deep appreciation for the power of music and the arts to enrich communities through his grandmother and father, both amateur musicians. Smith is actively involved with organizations that open pathways in the arts to people from communities that lack access to these opportunities.
In 2022, he was honored with the Philanthropy in the Arts award, presented by Americans for the Arts, an organization dedicated to advancing, promoting and sustaining arts in the U.S.
“Help those around you see the beauty of this vast world. Help them believe that they, too, can capture that dream.”
-Robert F. Smith
SMITH’S PARTNERS
Sphinx Organization
Founded by Aaron P. Dworkin, The Sphinx Organization provides talented young string players access to music education and performance opportunities. Smith has been a longtime supporter of the organization, making a $250,000 contribution in 2016 to fund scholarships for Sphinx Competition Senior Division winners. His support also helps sustain the organization’s chamber orchestra, Sphinx Virtuosi. Under his leadership as founding director and President, Fund II Foundation also donated $3 million to empower the next generation of musicians. This funding also supports SphinxConnect, the annual gathering that provides classical musicians opportunities to network and learn from one another.
Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall, a national historic landmark in New York, NY, is dedicated to introducing new artists and bringing celebrated works to more audiences. It also offers innovative educational programs, including the Weill Music Institute for young musicians. Smith is a founding patron of the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA), established by the Weill Music Institute. NYO-USA provides summer training and an international tour for young performers. Smith joined the Carnegie Hall Board of Trustees in 2013 and was elected Chairman in 2016. Upon joining the board, he contributed to expanding Link Up, a free elementary school-level music education curriculum. Fund II Foundation is a lead supporter of Link Up and PlayUSA, which helps community partner organizations provide K-12 students with instrumental music education. Smith also supports Carnegie Hall’s Live with Carnegie Hall initiative and endows the Chairman Student Seats program.
