Patricia Cohen of the New York Times writes that the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles is close to reaching an agreement with the National Gallery of Art that would allow the two institutions to collaborate on research, exhibitions, and programming over the next five years. While this deal does not include any financial or fundraising assistance for LA MoCA, according to Cohen it could “help lift its own efforts to raise money and ward off, at least temporarily, a merger with a wealthier and more powerful neighbor: the Los Angeles County Museum of Art or the University of Southern California.” Eli Broad, who donated sixteen million to LA MoCA five years ago and is building his own museum across the street from it, initially approached the National Gallery and asked for assistance. Said John Wilmerding, chairman of the National Gallery board: “The goal at this point is stabilizing them and get them standing as an independent institution. We’d like to see them survive and thrive, and if we can help them, that’s all we’re doing.” Cohen notes that the wing that houses the National Gallery’s contemporary art collection will be closed for a few years for renovations, during which time works could be lent to LA MoCA. Wilmerding added that he thought an agreement could be finalized within a week.