Question 1

What is Paradigm Shift?

Accepted Answer

Paradigm Shift is developing financial infrastructure for museums and cultural institutions. Our model allows museums to build long-term sustainability utilizing an alternative method called reaccessioning (the decoupling of an objects financial claim, from that of the title and object). the rights are then consigned to a bankruptcy remote SPV, issued by, and overseen by Paradigm Shift. Through the SPV, the rights are then fractionalized and sold on the Paradigm Shift Marketplace.

Question 2

What stage is Paradigm Shift in?

Accepted Answer

We're in pre-seed development, actively refining our model with museum partners and advisors. We're transparent about being in the building phase - we believe the best solutions emerge from collaboration, not finished products.

Question 3

Who founded Paradigm Shift and why?

Accepted Answer

Rayme Silverberg founded Paradigm Shift after witnessing the financial fragility of museums firsthand during her work in the nonprofit arts sector. The model emerged from rigorous research through NYU and has been shaped by conversations with museum professionals, legal experts, and financial advisors across North America.

Question 4

What is reaccessioning?

Accepted Answer

Reaccessioning is a third approach to collection stewardship—distinct from accession and deaccessioning. It allows museums to create sustainable funding while retaining 100% ownership, custody, and curatorial authority. Nothing is sold or removed from the collection.

Question 5

How is this different from deaccessioning?

Accepted Answer

Deaccessioning removes objects from the collection, often through sale. Reaccessioning keeps objects in the collection while creating a financial structure that supports long-term institutional sustainability. Museums retain full ownership and control.

Question 6

Is this legal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The model is structured under federal securities regulations and has been developed with input from museum legal counsel, securities attorneys, and cultural sector legal experts.

Question 7

Does this violate museum ethics?

Accepted Answer

No. We've consulted museum ethics experts to ensure alignment with AAM guidelines. Because museums retain ownership, custody, and curatorial control—and because nothing is deaccessioned or sold—this approach doesn't violate ethical standards around collection stewardship.

Question 8

What does a museum retain?

Accepted Answer

Everything. Museums retain:
 • 100% title and ownership
 • Physical custody (art stays in the museum)
 • All curatorial decisions
 • Full public access
 • Deaccessioning rights if circumstances change
 • Complete institutional independence

Question 9

How is capital used?

Accepted Answer

Capital functions as a restricted micro-endowment: principal is preserved, and only investment returns are available for defined institutional priorities over time. This ensures long-term sustainability rather than short-term spending.

Question 10

What if our museum wants to deaccession an object later?

Accepted Answer

You retain full deaccessioning authority. The structure includes provisions for this scenario.

Question 11

Who makes decisions about exhibitions, loans, and conservation?

Accepted Answer

The museum does. Always. Curatorial authority never leaves the institution.

Question 12

What types of museums is this for?

Accepted Answer

We're working with museums that have established collections, face genuine financial challenges, possess governance capacity to evaluate innovative approaches, and are willing to collaborate on refinement. This is a partnership, not a transaction.

Question 13

What's the process for museums to explore this?

Accepted Answer

It begins with a conversation to learn about your institution, followed by an information packet for your review. You decide if it warrants deeper exploration—there's no obligation at any stage. [Learn more →]

Question 14

Is this an investment opportunity?

Accepted Answer

Paradigm Shift does not offer securities to the general public. Investment opportunities are available only to accredited institutional investors through private placement, in compliance with federal securities laws. For qualified parties, please contact us directly for private discussion.

Question 15

What types of investors are you seeking?

Accepted Answer

We're seeking mission-aligned institutional investors who share our commitment to cultural sustainability, long-term thinking, transparency, and respect for museum sovereignty.

Question 16

How is this structured financially?

Accepted Answer

Detailed financial structures are available to qualified parties through private channels only. Generally, the model creates compliant vehicles that support museum sustainability while providing clear governance and reporting mechanisms.

Question 17

What research supports this model?

Accepted Answer

Our approach emerged from a 20-month research effort in partnership with NYU, including interviews and working sessions with 32+ museum professionals, legal experts, financial advisors, and cultural sector thought leaders. [Download our full report →]

Question 18

How was the model validated?

Accepted Answer

Through extensive consultation with museum directors, CFOs, board members, legal counsel specializing in cultural institutions, securities attorneys, financial advisors, and museum ethics experts.

Question 19

Are you working with museums now?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We're in active development with museum partners who are helping us refine the approach. We're seeking additional partners willing to collaborate on pilot programs.

Question 20

How is this regulated?

Accepted Answer

The model is structured under SEC regulations and federal securities laws. We work with legal counsel specializing in both cultural institutions and securities compliance.

Question 21

What oversight exists?

Accepted Answer

Clear governance structures, transparent reporting mechanisms, and accountability to both participating museums and institutional partners.

Question 22

How do you ensure museum interests are protected?

Accepted Answer

Museum sovereignty is foundational to the model. All structures preserve museum authority, ownership, and mission. Legal agreements are reviewed by museum counsel before any partnership proceeds.

Question 23

How can museums learn more?

Accepted Answer

Schedule a Museum Discovery Session or request an information packet. [Start here →]

Question 24

How can advisors contribute?

Accepted Answer

We welcome input from museum professionals, legal and financial experts, and cultural sector leaders. [Get in touch →]

Question 25

How can I stay updated?

Accepted Answer

Join our mailing list for monthly Field Notes with research insights, sector perspectives, and progress updates. [Subscribe →]

Question 26

Still have questions?

Accepted Answer

Contact us directly →

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