Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Nunez-gamboa
Andrea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always been passionate about the arts, though I am not an artist myself. Early in my career, I recognized the need for greater support in arts organizations, especially in the area that artists often struggle with the most—securing funds to produce their work. This realization inspired me to pursue a career in fundraising for the arts, as I saw it as the best way to contribute to the projects I love and support the talented people I admire.
Originally from Mexico, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Management and later completed an MA in Arts Administration. Through the support of various foundations and scholarships, including a Fulbright scholarship, I had the privilege of studying at Columbia University in New York City. My primary goal was to deepen my knowledge of fundraising while also acquiring strong finance and management skills.
During my time in NYC, I immersed myself in a wide range of projects, from organizing conferences and benefit auctions to special events with organizations such as the Whitney Museum and ART21. These experiences exposed me to diverse business and fundraising models. Balancing work and studies was intense, but it proved to be pivotal in my development career.
Afterward, I returned to Mexico City and spent several years working with various nonprofit arts organizations, including the Museum of Modern Art of Mexico. In addition to my nonprofit work, I began teaching arts management and fundraising to undergraduate students, with a particular focus on the context of Mexico. In my spare time, I provided one-on-one support to artists, helping them with portfolio development and grant applications.
My passion for supporting emerging artists eventually led me to my current role in Advancement at the California Institute of the Arts. Now living in Echo Park, Los Angeles, I continue to teach remotely in Mexico City. I’m eager to contribute to the arts community here, particularly by helping other artists and arts professionals thrive.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Fundraising for the arts is a journey of highs and lows. Throughout my career, I’ve experienced moments where things don’t align as planned. The success of fundraising depends on various factors: sometimes the artwork or project is difficult to communicate or understand, sometimes the economy slows down, and sometimes there simply isn’t enough human capital to meet the fundraising goals.
However, when everything does come together, the rewards are incredibly fulfilling. Seeing a project come to life, witnessing its completion, or watching an artist receive a grant or fellowship makes all the effort worthwhile. It’s in those moments that I realize persistence pays off, and sometimes success is simply a matter of continuing to push forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an arts administrator specializing in fundraising and financial management for arts organizations. Throughout my career, I have worked extensively with corporations and businesses to secure sponsorships for cultural projects and events. I have also successfully applied for grants from foundations and public entities to fund exhibitions and programming. Additionally, I have organized fundraising events to promote art initiatives and raise critical funding.
I’m proud of collaborating with artists and arts professionals and contributing to exhibitions and programs that I deeply respect—projects that have been pivotal in advancing artists’ careers.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
If I could speak to my younger self, I would tell her that one of the most important lessons is to believe in her own ideas, no matter how unconventional they might seem. And to always trust her instincts—they’ve proven to be right time and time again.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ngandrea/
