About Modernism Week

Modernism Week demonstrates a strong commitment to charitable causes, integrating philanthropy into its celebration of midcentury modern architecture and design. Here are some key aspects of its charitable initiatives:

1. Beneficiary Organizations: Modernism Week partners with neighborhoods and various nonprofit organizations as beneficiaries of its proceeds. These organizations often focus on historic preservation, education, and community development. Proceeds raised through ticket sales, merchandise, and donations during the event are directed towards supporting these causes.

2. Scholarship Programs: Modernism Week offers scholarships aimed at supporting students pursuing studies in architecture, design, and related fields. These scholarships provide financial assistance to deserving individuals and help foster the next generation of talent in the industry. To learn more about the Modernism Week Scholarship Program, visit our scholarship page.

3. Community Engagement: Beyond financial contributions, Modernism Week actively engages with the local community through educational initiatives, outreach programs, and volunteer opportunities. By involving residents and stakeholders, the event strengthens community ties and promotes a sense of civic pride.

4. Historic Preservation: Preservation of architectural heritage is a cornerstone of Modernism Week's mission. The event raises awareness about the importance of preserving architecture and supports efforts to conserve and rehabilitate historic buildings in Palm Springs and beyond.

5. Sustainability Initiatives: In recent years, Modernism Week has increasingly focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The event promotes eco-friendly practices, showcases innovative green technologies, and supports initiatives that promote sustainable design and construction practices.

6. Economic Impact: Modernism Week provides an opportunity for dozens of local Coachella Valley organizations and neighborhood groups to produce events that raise significant funds from ticket sales proceeds. These events included neighborhood tours, parties, educational talks, and other programs and enabled the organizations to contribute to local Coachella Valley charities or to fund civic improvements with the proceeds raised by the programs. In 2024 participating partner organizations raised $2.3 million as a result of their Modernism Week events. Also in 2024 Modernism Week had an estimated audience of 130,000 attendees who participated in more than 350 events during the 11-day festival. The festival generated an estimated economic impact of $68M for area hotels, shops, restaurants, and other local businesses from Palm Springs to La Quinta and beyond. In addition, CAMP, Modernism Week’s ‘Community and Meeting Place’ and headquarters for tours and events, experienced more than 26,000 visitors throughout the festival.

Overall, Modernism Week demonstrates a multifaceted community approach to charitable giving and collaboration, using its platform and proceeds to support worthy causes, empower future generations, and enrich the communities it serves.

The Modernism Week organization began in 2005 with a small, but mighty volunteer group of passionate friends and neighbors who founded the first official event in February 2006. The first Modernism Week followed-up on the increasing success of both the Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale at the convention center and the annual design symposium organized by the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Council. This original steering committee included a group of local design and architecture aficionados who were also curators, tour guides, art and vintage furniture dealers, historians, property owners, and architects. They collaborated with five local non-profit organizations who ultimately created Modernism Week’s first signature event in February to showcase the world-renowned midcentury modern architecture of Palm Springs.

Among the members of the initial steering committee were representatives from the Modernism Show & Sale, Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, the Palm Springs Modern Committee, the Palm Springs Historical Society, and Palm Springs Art Museum. These local groups are the Founding Partners of Modernism Week and are still considered the prime beneficiaries of Modernism Week programs. Today, more than 60 other non-profit organizations, businesses and neighborhood groups collaborate with Modernism Week to help produce Modernism Week tours and events.