American Friends of the Louvre x Wharton Art Club Panel: Featuring Special Guest, Kip Forbes

The Wharton Art Club is partnering with the American Friends of the Louvre (AFL), a U.S. nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Musée du Louvre and advancing French culture in the United States through a vibrant membership program and philanthropic initiatives. Since 2002, AFL has raised more than $70 million for the museum. While fundraising is its primary mission, AFL also plays an ambassadorial role—bridging cultures between France and the United States and uniting individuals through global exchange and a shared passion for art. As public funding for arts and culture continues to decline, organizations like AFL are becoming ever more essential, particularly in fostering next-gen philanthropy.

Panelists:

Christopher “Kip” Forbes – Vice Chairman of Forbes, Inc., and Chairman and Founder of the American Friends of the Louvre, Kip Forbes has long championed the relationship between business and the arts. A Princeton graduate in art history, he transformed the Forbes Magazine Galleries into a celebrated cultural space that showcased both professional and employee talent. He has served on the boards of numerous arts institutions, including The Brooklyn Museum, The Newark Museum, The New York Academy of Art, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Through his leadership at AFL, he continues to advance transatlantic cultural dialogue and promote the role of the arts in inspiring creativity within business and society.

Thomas E. Moore III – Executive Director of the American Friends of the Louvre, Thomas has led fundraising across the arts, humanitarian aid, and social justice for over a decade. Before joining AFL, he served as Director of Development at the National Academy of Design and held a leadership role at New York Road Runners. In addition to leading AFL, he serves on the Advisory Board of Art Omi, furthering his commitment to supporting contemporary artists and cultural exchange. He and his wife are also avid collectors of contemporary art.

Vladimir Galiothe – A Wharton alumnus, Managing Director at Citi, and member of the Board of Directors of the American Friends of the Louvre, Vlad has built a 23-year career as an equity derivatives trader. Born in Haiti and raised in a multilingual household, he brings a global perspective shaped by French cultural education and international study. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), championing access to education and the arts.

The discussion will be moderated by Terrell Estime (WG ‘26), Wharton Art Club Co-President, former Vice President trader at Citi, and contemporary art collector who has organized cultural programs connecting artists, collectors, and institutions.

Together, the panel will explore the role of art in shaping identity, cultivating cross-cultural understanding, and inspiring collective progress. Thomas and Vladimir will be joined at Wharton by additional AFL staff including Constance Barut, Deputy Director; and Joshua Bell, Director of Development and Communications.

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Co-hosted with: Family Business Club

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