Corcoran Agreement Moves Forward

The George Washington University’s historic agreements with the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the National Gallery of Art moved forward on Monday, following a D.C. Superior Court decision to hold an evidentiary hearing regarding the cy près petition, which would allow GW to establish the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design.

The hearing is scheduled to begin next Monday and continue through Thursday.

“We are pleased the process is moving forward and are hopeful the court will make a favorable determination about cy près before the start of the school year,” the university said in a statement released on Monday.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ruled that seven current students, one faculty member and one staff member of the Corcoran have a special interest in whether the cy près petition is approved, which would allow the college to merge with GW. They will be among the parties represented next week.

A final decision regarding the cy près petition will be made following the hearing.

“Our primary concern is ensuring educational continuity for Corcoran College students,” the university emphasized in its statement. “We are working closely with the Corcoran to do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition for Corcoran students, faculty and staff.”

Approval by the court of the Corcoran’s cy?près?petition is necessary before the university, the Corcoran and the National Gallery of Art conclude the agreements finalized among the three parties in May.