Releases | New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

New Mexico Museum of Art awarded a $250,000 “Museums for America” grant for conservation and digitization of photography and contemporary artwork 

August 17th, 2021

The New Mexico Museum of Art (NMMOA) is excited to announce that it has been awarded a Museums for America grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in the amount of $250,000. The funds from this grant will go toward the conservation, digitization, and relocation of 6,500 photographs and 300 contemporary paintings and sculptures. These items will be a part of the New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary, scheduled to open in the Santa Fe Railyard Arts District in 2022.

The first project will include the creation of high-resolution digital photographs to increase both scholarly and public access. Funds will also be used to purchase archival supplies and hire a contract photographer and art handlers to help with relocation to the New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary. Expansion into this new space will increase the museum’s storage capacity for current collections and future acquisitions.

“The New Mexico Museum of Art is pleased and honored to have received such a significant grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services,” said Dr. Mark White, Executive Director of NMMOA. “Stewardship of the collections is one of the primary responsibilities of any museum, and this grant will provide much needed financial support for collections storage and cataloging as we prepare to open the New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary.”

IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the country’s approximately 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Its mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. NMMOA is extremely thankful to IMLS for its generous award that will allow the museum to better serve our visitors.

 

About The New Mexico Museum of Art
The New Mexico Museum of Art is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. Programs and exhibits are supported by the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and its donors. The mission of the Museum of Art is to create authentic experiences that foster a deeper understanding and enjoyment of art throughout our state. With a collection of more than 20,000 pieces of work, the museum brings the art of the world to New Mexico and the art of New Mexico to the world.

About IMLS 
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov 


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