FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2006
Press Contact
202-653-4632
Eileen Maxwell, [log in to unmask]
Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask]
IMLS Calls for Comments on New African American History and Culture
Funding Opportunity
WASHINGTON, DC-The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is
seeking comments from the museum field on a new funding opportunity.
Congress has appropriated $842,000 for IMLS African American History and
Culture grants for FY2006. The National Museum of African American
History and Culture Act supports a wide range of activities, including a
combination of grants, scholarships, internships and endowments to
strengthen African American museum operations, care of collections and
personnel; advance the study of and promote careers in African American
history, art and culture; encourage collaborations among museums,
historical societies and educational institutions; and enhance
educational programming.
The Act calls upon the director of the Institute of Museum and Library
Services to work in coordination with the council of the new Smithsonian
museum and its director to create this new funding opportunity. "For
decades, African American museums in the United States have been
catalysts that deepen appreciation and understanding of the African
American experience in art, history, and culture," said Mary L. Chute,
Acting Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. "They
play an essential role in the creation of scholarship and serve as
trusted stewards of collections."
The agency is seeking comments about program direction and priorities
for FY 2006 that will begin to address the intent of the legislation.
Through this process the agency will refine the program purpose and
goals and identify grant activities. In shaping the guidelines the
agency will also be guided by feedback from a July 2004 forum with
museum leaders about the status of African American museums today (see
http://www.imls.gov/pdf/African_American_Museums.pdf).
On January 19, IMLS published a Federal Register (see
http://www.imls.gov/pdf/FR_AfAmHistCult.pdf) notice requesting comments
on draft guidelines (see
http://www.imls.gov/pdf/AAHC_Draft_Guidelines.pdf). The closing date for
receiving comments is March 20, 2006. Comments should be addressed to
Dr. Rebecca Danvers, Director Research and Technology, 1800 M St., NW,
Washington, DC 20036 or mailto:[log in to unmask]
On March 28 at 2:00 p.m. EST, IMLS will host a national audio conference
to share and discuss the comments. Information on how to participate
will be provided soon.
African American museums continue to be eligible for other IMLS grant
programs and the agency encourages applications. Learn more about IMLS
grant programs (see http://www.imls.gov/applicants/applicants.shtm).
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services, an independent federal
agency, grows and sustains a "Nation of Learners" because life-long
learning is critical to both societal and individual success. Through
its grant making, convening, research and publications, the Institute
empowers museums and libraries nationwide to provide leadership and
services to enhance learning in families and communities, sustain
cultural heritage, build 21st century skills, and provide opportunities
for civic participation. To learn more about the Institute, please
visit: http://www.imls.gov.
Eileen Maxwell
Public Affairs Officer
Institute of Museum and Library Services
1800 M Street, NW
9th Floor
Washington, DC 20036-5802
202-653-4632
202-653-4600(fax)
[log in to unmask]
Visit the Institute of Museum and Library Services virtual press room
for the agency's latest news releases, publications, logos, and Primary
Source our monthly e-newsletter at: http://www.imls.gov/pressroom.shtm.
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