Springfield Art Museum Renovation Funded by City Council

Been thinking about this a lot over the past 24 hours. This is so bad for the city of Chicago. A city of great diversity and of great museums. But a city that struggles, like so many others, to make everyone of the city feel like they belong in museums. I taught at DePaul for a short while and was so impressed with the way it serves a student body that truly looks like Chicago, in all its diverse majesty. The DPAM was an access point for all those students to see and feel welcome in a museum they may otherwise not feel is for them. Instead of seeing lack of engagement as an opportunity and a challenge, it seems the trustees saw this as a failing. And in my opinion, that failure is not one of the Museum but of the University. And ultimately, this failure will greatly and negatively impact Chicago, its institutions, and its people. I hope that it can still yet be reversed. That the trustees will come to understand the importance of the opportunity they have here. But that hope is despite all the trends we're seeing in society right now.

As an alumni it hurts me to learn this. When austerity comes the arts are always first to go. As if this work is not critical to building and maintaining a more just society. As an arts leader I feel deep frustration when institutions of this size, with a public, civic or intellectual mandate, fail to keep art spaces alive. When reflecting on more than 20 years working in arts administration and leadership in Chicago, I often find that when moments like this occur, it was the culmination of a series of failures of strategy, leadership and imagination.

It is incredibly difficult to see another museum close its doors, but it hits differently when it’s a university art museum. These spaces aren't just galleries; they are essential hubs for research, community gathering, and critical thinking. In these uncertain times for the cultural sector, advocacy isn't just a "nice to do"—it’s a necessity. We must champion the value these institutions bring to education and the public before more of them disappear.

I am very happy to share this new partnership between Books Between Kids and Children's Museum Houston. As one of the founders of Books Between Kids, it’s especially meaningful to see opportunities like this take shape in our community. The Children’s Museum is now hosting a BBK book collection bin in their Parent Resource Library. If you’re visiting the museum, consider bringing a new or gently used children’s book—and help us spread the word so more kids across Houston can build a home library of their own.

The San Antonio Art League and Museum (SAAL+M), in the King William neighborhood, has opened a new exhibit focusing on young artists. Mary Beth Swafford, the museum’s education chairperson, said the SAAL+M has been promoting art for generations. “We were founded in 1912. We are the oldest arts organization in San Antonio,” Swafford said. “What I am in charge of is the educational part of the museum's operations. We are entirely volunteer run, which is very unusual.” The specific focus on this exhibit is young people who have plenty of talent, but who haven’t yet made that leap to being professional. These are young artists who are trying to get their footing as they transcend into the professional art world. Read More👉 https://ebx.sh/C0fV9j

The Wadsworth has announced that it will restore its Wednesday hours for the first time since the pandemic, thanks to a $1M grant from Travelers. The grant, which will span across five years, enables America’s oldest public art museum to expand from four to five days of public access each week. Read entire story: https://lnkd.in/e7UXViKe

Campstories is thrilled to be working with the MOA (Museum of Outdoor Arts). Since 1981, the nonprofit arts organization is dedicated to making the visual and performing arts accessible to everyone by implementing its mission of "making art a part of everyday life." The MOA is a key pioneer in placing site-specific, integrated public art throughout Colorado. This month, MOA will debut their "Beyond the Western Horizon" exhibition, with an opening event March 19th. https://lnkd.in/dBkDMPEp

Campstories is thrilled to be working with the MOA (Museum of Outdoor Arts). Since 1981, the nonprofit arts organization is dedicated to making the visual and performing arts accessible to everyone by implementing its mission of "making art a part of everyday life." The MOA is a key pioneer in placing site-specific, integrated public art throughout Colorado. This month, MOA will debut their "Beyond the Western Horizon" exhibition, with an opening event March 19th. https://lnkd.in/deusRqDy

Local museums are coming together to explore the human experience through contemporary art. Bodies and Souls, a joint exhibition at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and Woodmere Art Museum, invites visitors to experience human stories through contemporary works. Featuring selections from the Robert and Frances Coulborn Kohler Collection, the exhibition emphasizes figuration, emotion, and storytelling. This partnership highlights the power of local institutions joining forces to engage and inspire the community. #Philadelphia #ArtAndCulture #CommunityEngagement Via WHYY: https://lnkd.in/enzRay-j

St. Canice's Credit Union has launched its Community Impact report at the Medieval Mile Museum. Pictured are CEO John Hurley and Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Robert Troy TD. #KilkennyNews #KilkennyCity #CommunityImpact