New York Art Academy to Donate Epstein Funds, Review Policies

The school will give away $65,900 linked to the disgraced financier and examine its donor engagement practices.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 8:11pm

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The New York Academy of Art announced it will donate nearly $66,000 connected to Jeffrey Epstein and review its policies around philanthropy and donor relationships after newly released Justice Department files shed light on the school's ties to the disgraced financier. The academy acknowledged 'serious failures in judgment and governance' in maintaining connections with Epstein after his criminal conduct had become known.

Why it matters

The New York Academy of Art's relationship with Epstein has drawn scrutiny in the past, with the school previously apologizing to an alumna who said she met Epstein through the institution. This move to donate Epstein-linked funds and review donor policies comes as institutions across the art world face increased pressure to address their connections to the convicted sex offender.

The details

According to the New York Times, the school said it plans to donate $65,900 linked to Epstein to a nonprofit that supports victims of human trafficking. It had previously redirected another $30,000 he had given to the academy. The academy's board acknowledged 'serious failures in judgment and governance' in maintaining connections with Epstein after his criminal conduct had become known, and said it would establish an ethics committee to review policies governing donor relationships and philanthropy.

  • The New York Academy of Art made the announcement on Friday, March 14, 2026.

The players

New York Academy of Art

An art school founded in 1982 and co-founded by Andy Warhol, known for promoting figurative art and hosting high-profile fundraising events.

Jeffrey Epstein

A disgraced financier with ties to the art world, including serving on the New York Academy of Art's board in the early 1990s and remaining involved with the institution for years afterward.

Eileen Guggenheim

The chair of the New York Academy of Art's board, who will step down a month earlier than planned, though officials said her resignation had already been scheduled for this year.

Maria Farmer

A New York Academy of Art alumna who has said she met Epstein through the school and later reported abuse by him and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

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What’s next

The New York Academy of Art said it will establish an ethics committee to review policies governing donor relationships and philanthropy.

The takeaway

The New York Academy of Art's decision to donate Epstein-linked funds and review its donor policies reflects the increased scrutiny institutions in the art world are facing over their connections to the convicted sex offender. This move aims to address past failures in judgment and governance, and demonstrates a commitment to more ethical practices around philanthropy and donor engagement.