NPR has been selected to receive a $500,000 grant through this year’s Getty Prize, with half of the funds being distributed to Los Angeles member stations, LAist and KCRW.
The J. Paul Getty Trust announced on Wednesday that Ann Philbin, former director of the Hammer Museum, has been awarded the 2025 Getty Prize in recognition of her significant contributions to arts and culture.
The grant is part of the pay-it-forward initiative established last year, allowing the prize recipient to support an arts or educational nonprofit.
NPR will receive $250,000, while LAist and KCRW will each be awarded $125,000.
Philbin expressed her humility in accepting the prize that honors many influential figures in Los Angeles and beyond.
She stated, “Being able to award the grant to NPR is a thrill.
In addition to their in-depth coverage of the arts and culture, they represent the epitome of fearless and essential journalism in a time when threats to free expression and the suppression of diverse voices is rampant.”
Philbin added, “We love them and need them!”
Katherine Maher, president and chief executive of NPR, emphasized the importance of public media in offering free access to cultural programming for all Americans.
She remarked, “NPR and member organizations like KCRW and LAist exist to serve communities.
There is no greater recognition or validation of that work than when a member of the community chooses to give back to the mission of public media, and it is especially meaningful at this moment.”
Alejandra Santamaria, president and CEO of LAist, highlighted the station’s commitment to strengthening civic and cultural bonds within Southern California’s diverse communities.
She stated, “At this time when public media is being threatened, we at LAist are grateful for the generous support from Ann Philbin.
She understands the value of our coverage and the communities we aspire to serve.”
Jennifer Ferro, president of KCRW, reiterated the importance of reflecting the communities that public radio serves.
She expressed gratitude for the support and enthusiasm for the opportunities it will create to enhance public interest programming in the city.
Philbin, along with NPR, KCRW, and LAist, will be honored at the annual Getty Prize dinner in September.
This grant comes at a critical time as Congress evaluates cuts amounting to $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, part of President Donald Trump’s rescission package.
This federal funding is vital for NPR and its member stations, including LAist, which relies on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for approximately 4% of its budget, equating to about $1.7 million.
Congress faces a deadline of midnight Friday to approve the rescission package.
If the Senate passes the bill, it will subsequently return to the House of Representatives for a final vote.
The Getty Prize stands as the highest honor awarded by the institution, recognizing individuals whose work enhances understanding and appreciation of arts and culture since its inception in 2013.
Past recipients include prominent figures such as architect Frank Gehry and art curator Thelma Golden.
Katherine Fleming, president and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust, praised Philbin as a powerful force within the art community, noting her transformation of the Hammer Museum into a globally recognized institution.
Philbin directed the Hammer Museum for 25 years, where she facilitated over 300 free public programs, including film screenings and workshops for families.
Fleming remarked, “Having spent many years working in both Los Angeles and New York, and with longstanding relationships with artists and organizations around the world, she is widely known as a passionate advocate for the arts and a champion for the freedom of expression.”
image source from：laist
