Quinn Emanuel, recognized as one of the powerhouse law firms globally, is taking a creative leap by launching the Quinn Emanuel Arts Foundation. This initiative marks the first time a major law firm has established a foundation dedicated solely to the arts, representing a significant shift in how legal entities can engage with and support the cultural sector.

John Quinn, founder and chairman of Quinn Emanuel, expressed his enthusiasm about the new venture to Above the Law. “The Quinn Emanuel Arts Foundation is a pioneering initiative dedicated solely to supporting the arts,” he said. “We’re expanding the role that law firms can play in this space — our firm doesn’t just defend art litigation clients in the courtroom, we actively invest in emerging artists and arts communities across the globe.”

Quinn highlighted the importance of the foundation at a time when national funding for the arts faces challenges, emphasizing the firm's commitment to uplifting artists and enriching creative ecosystems globally.

The foundation's board of directors includes notable figures from the firm such as Luke Nikas, Co-Chair of the firm’s Art Litigation and Disputes Practice, along with Jennifer J. Barrett, Kevin Johnson, Liesl Fichardt, and Julianne Hughes Jennett, all of whom bring a diverse range of experiences and passions to the arts initiative.

Since its inception in 2021, the Quinn Emanuel Artist-in-Residence program has already made significant strides by supporting 21 emerging artists, providing them with studio spaces in the firm’s offices in Los Angeles, New York, and London, and concluding their residencies with exhibitions. Each artist has had at least one piece of their work included in the firm’s permanent collection, and many have gone on to display their art in prestigious museums and galleries.

Alexis Hyde, the executive director of the Quinn Emanuel Arts Foundation, commented on the foundation's broader vision. “Much like the law itself, we see the arts as a vital force in shaping culture, challenging perspectives, and fostering deeper connections across communities,” she stated.

The foundation will have its formal launch on July 31 with an exhibition at Frieze’s No. 9 Cork Street gallery in London, followed by a celebratory event. Plans are also in the works to create a physical space for artists affiliated with the foundation, enhancing its global outreach.

This innovative step by Quinn Emanuel not only deepens its commitment to the arts but also sets a new precedent for how law firms can actively participate in and support the cultural landscape. Congratulations to Quinn Emanuel on this groundbreaking initiative that promises to champion the arts for years to come.