The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is building the world’s premier movie museum in the heart of Los Angeles. Located in the historic Wilshire May Company building at Wilshire and Fairfax, the Academy Museum will explore the history and magic of what happens on screen as well as behind it. In keeping with this mission, the Academy Museum announced Katharine DeShaw as its Managing Director, Advancement and External Relations.
Katherine DeShaw (pictured above) was appointed Managing Director, Advancement and External Relations for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2016.
DeShaw said, “I can’t imagine any opportunity more exciting than helping to bring the Academy Museum to the public in Los Angeles and movie fans around the world. The new facility will be extraordinary, the exhibitions and programs under development are remarkable and the base of support is strong. I can’t wait to begin fundraising for the remaining third of the $388 million campaign.”
Recognized nationally as a leader in the arts and philanthropy, DeShaw has led record-breaking fundraising campaigns for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, the New York City Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York City. She most recently led the consulting firm Philanthropology, which focuses on best practices in philanthropy for clients in a variety of areas, including the arts, culture, the environment, health and social justice. Ms. DeShaw serves on the faculty of the Getty Leadership Institute, an executive management program for international museum directors, and designed its fundraising curriculum.
Academy Museum Director Kerry Brougher
“As we forge ahead toward our opening, Katharine brings not just expertise but also superb leadership, born of nearly three decades of success in philanthropy and the arts,” said Kerry Brougher, Director of the Academy Museum. “She has the skills, the vision and, above all, the talent to help us create the great movie museum that the film capital of the world expects and deserves.”
Beginning on November 1, DeShaw will direct all aspects of fundraising, including completion of the $388 million capital campaign to support the new Museum, now under construction. She will play a key leadership role in expanding external relations efforts, including community and civic outreach, while supporting publicity and marketing initiatives for the Museum.
