The RISD Museum Associates are a vibrant community of volunteers dedicated to advancing the RISD Museum through fundraising and public engagement. Since its founding in 1956, the group has organized distinctive annual events that has made it one of the Museum’s most significant contributors to the Museum Annual Fund.
The Associates’ fundraising efforts support a wide array of initiatives, from family and K–12 programming to public events such as Super Art Sunday, as well as exhibitions including the recent Art of French Wallpaper and the 2025 Motherlode exhibition by acclaimed artist Liz Collins. In addition to programmatic support, the Associates have also championed building and capital improvements, helping ensure the Museum’s facilities continue to evolve to meet the needs of its community.
In the 1980s, the Associates established the Radeke Garden endowment to provide for its ongoing care. Today, the Radeke Garden is a cherished place of respite within the Museum, regularly hosting classes, gatherings, and special events. Most recently, their generosity made possible the addition of a new seating area at the museum's Benefit Street Entrance, allowing visitors to gather and enjoy public art outside of Cafe Pearl.
Reflecting proudly on more than six decades of impact, the Associates remain deeply committed to sustaining this rich tradition of support. They extend heartfelt gratitude to all who make their work possible and look forward to continuing their vital role in shaping the Museum’s future.
To learn more about the Museum Associates, please email massociates1956@gmail.com.