SYRACUSE, NY.- The Everson Museum of Art has launched The Everson. First and Forever., a $17 million comprehensive fundraising campaign, as part of the 50th anniversary of its iconic I.M. Pei-designed building.

$4.8 million, the biggest gift to the campaign to date, was graciously donated by Paul Philips and Sharon Sullivan. Their gift is also the largest to be given to a Syracuse arts organization. Of the campaign’s $17 million goal, $13.2 million has been raised.

The Everson. First and Forever. campaign, chaired by Jessica Danial and Michael P. Falcone, will establish a strong fiscal foundation that will enable the museum to better connect with the community, promote demographic and artistic diversity, and inspire curiosity, discussion and lifelong learning. It will also enable the museum to expand its influence as a creative and cultural hub within the city of Syracuse.

“This campaign is the most ambitious fundraising effort in our institution’s 120-year history,” said Elizabeth Dunbar, Director and CEO of the Everson Museum of Art. “We have a vision for a vibrant future that ensures the institution will continue to make our world-class collections and exhibitions accessible and provide meaningful encounters with art forever.”

The campaign will focus on raising funds for five specific initiatives:

• Ceramics Center: Creating a world-class Ceramics Center equipped with a public research lab, storage, library and full-time Ceramics Curator,

• Facility Improvements: Providing ongoing care and maintenance of the facility to ensure its longevity,

• Exhibitions: Continuing the museum’s commitment to bringing emerging and under-recognized artists,

• Community Engagement: Engaging diverse groups through accessible educational and public programs,

• Economic Development: Increasing the museum’s endowment to become an even greater contributor to the region’s resurgence.

“By bringing innovative educational programs to the community and by hosting thought-provoking artists and exhibitions, we want to provide new and exciting experiences to our members and neighbors and attract a new and diverse group of visitors to the museum,” said Jessica Danial, Board Member and Campaign Co-Chair. “We sincerely hope that the Syracuse community will join us in this exciting and worthy endeavor.”

The Everson’s 60,000 square foot facility opened in 1968 and is I.M. Pei’s first museum design. The museum houses more than 10,000 artworks, hosts over 80,000 visitors each year and stands as an architectural landmark and cultural hub within the city of Syracuse.