A century of supporting artists in service to humanity

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Mission

The Foundation’s mission is to champion creative talent, particularly those in service to regeneration and systems change.

Our History

Four Generations

One of America’s oldest family-run art galleries.

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I
1932

The Gallery Founded

Herman Baron opens ACA in New York alongside Stuart Davis and Yasuo Kuniyoshi, the root of everything that follows.

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II
Second Generation

The Archive Grows

Sidney Bergen stewards decades of American art history, and supports the artists who made it; expanding American art’s international presence and refining our mission for the generations to come. The Simon Perchik poetry archive joins the family’s stewardship.

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III
Third Generation

A Legacy is Born

Jeffrey Bergen, one of the most beloved and knowledgeable characters in the art world, left an incredible legacy through his love and dedication to the gallery, the art world, and beyond. This foundation was created in his honor.

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IV
2026

The Legacy Continues

The Foundation is formed to serve the next generations of creatives and innovators to usher in a better world for all beings.

In Loving Memory

Jeffrey Bergen

1953 – 2024

“Kindness Was His Religion”

Building the systems that let creators flourish.

With partners, we’re creating and scaling the places, practices and platforms that support human flourishing — and a renaissance of creativity.

Root
Places

Root

Residencies and maker spaces, built with partners.

 Tend
Practices

Tend

Wellbeing and learning, designed into the work.

 Bloom
Platforms

Bloom

Putting art in the rooms where decisions are made.

 Seed
Structures

Seed

Endowments and models built to outlast any one gift.

The Foundation is at an early stage and works through partners and by invitation. We are not yet open to individual applications.

Explore the programs →
“Artists lead the way. Where art goes, the world follows.”
Vaughn Bergen · President
Board
Vaughn Bergen President
Kayla Rose Bergen Director of Family Giving
Elliott Bayev Treasurer
“Baron encouraged freedom of expression and did not censor the artworks displayed in his gallery.”
Smithsonian Archives of American Art
Support the Work

Four generations of supporting artists in service to humanity — now, together, let’s make this next era one that will ripple for eternity.

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Bergen Family Foundation
A century of supporting artists in service to humanity
New York · four generations of giving
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© 2026 The Bergen Family Foundation · EIN 42-5168363 · 501(c)(3) status in progress Privacy Policy · Terms of Use
Artwork courtesy of the Berkowitz Estate and ACA Galleries, and Beth Ames Swartz, courtesy of the artist.
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Occasional notes on the Foundation’s programs, gifts and milestones — nothing more.

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