Scott Stover’s Vision for NextGen Art Culture

Scott Stover, a former international investment banker and a leading strategic advisor in the art and philanthropy sectors, is reshaping the art world’s future. He challenges the notion that millennials are primarily interested in traditional art institutions, suggesting instead that they seek a more diverse and impactful art world.

Stover’s journey began in Chicago, where he grew up, and continued at Columbia University in New York, where he earned his BA and MBA. His time in Columbia’s Junior year abroad program in Paris sparked his passion for French culture and semiotics, which later proved invaluable in understanding how art institutions interact with donors and patrons.

After working in strategic planning at Bank of America, Stover moved to Paris to focus on French-speaking Africa, eventually leading a team trading debt in emerging markets. His strategic approach, honed during these experiences, emphasized holistic analysis and client collaboration.

Stover’s pivotal moment came when he was asked to develop a strategy for the Pompidou Center in Paris, which he later led and implemented. His work included revitalizing the American Friends of the Pompidou Center, a model of cross-border philanthropy. France recognized his contributions by awarding him the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters.

Realizing the need for his expertise in the arts and culture sector, Stover founded Scott Stover Inc, a consultancy focusing on strategic planning for collectors, corporations, and cultural institutions.

Stover’s concern for the cultural sector’s engagement with millennials led him to launch the podcast “Giving Back Is Dead (GBID)” to amplify voices championing democratization and social impact in the art world. He emphasizes the need for institutions to engage with Silicon Valley on meaningful terms and to prioritize strategy over public relations events.

In its third season, GBID features intimate conversations with inspirational millennials in arts and culture, including discussions on Diversity and Representation, Climate Change and Sustainability, and Access and Public programs. The podcast aims to engage the next generation and ensure the sustainability of cultural institutions.

Scott Stover’s strategic vision and commitment to democratizing the art world are reshaping cultural philanthropy, inspiring a new generation to engage with art in meaningful and impactful ways.