Giving and Receiving: Memoirs of an Immigrant Curator and Philanthropist chronicles the inspiring journey of Marica Vilcek, an art historian whose experiences led to the creation of the Vilcek Foundation. Together with her husband Jan, this foundation was established 25 years ago to celebrate the contributions of immigrants to the arts and sciences in the U.S.
Marica, originally from Czechoslovakia, faced career obstacles due to government corruption and her family’s blacklisting. Driven by a desire for a better future, she and Jan defected in 1964, settling in New York City the following year. Jan began his role at the New York University School of Medicine, while Marica volunteered at the Brooklyn Museum before joining The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
During her 30-year tenure at The Met, Marica advanced to Associate Curator in Charge of the Accessions and Catalogue Department, enhancing the standards of curatorial work. She believes that art objects are the core of museums and that curators must present them through exhibitions and educational materials, supported by thorough knowledge of each piece.
The Vilceks have continually focused on community support. Inspired by Marica’s passion, they launched the Vilcek Foundation to aid immigrants, artists, and scientists in the U.S. Marica explains, “Jan and I realized our greatest joy was helping others, whether supporting curators or assisting newcomers to America.” This mission led to the foundation’s establishment.
Since 2000, the Vilcek Foundation has distributed over $17 million in awards and grants, alongside more than $330 million in personal donations from the Vilceks. Marica continues her involvement in the arts as an Honorary Trustee of The Met and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts. The memoir, co-authored by Justin Spring, is available for purchase at bookshop.org. Learn more about their foundation at vilcek.org.
