Columbia Museum of Art Announced as a 2016 Recipient of Nation’s Highest Museum and Library Honor
April 22, 2016
National Medal for Museum and Library Service Recognizes Columbia, SC Columbia Museum of Art’s Community Contributions
The Institute of Museum and Library Services today announced the Columbia Museum of Art of Columbia, South Carolina as one of 10 recipients of the 2016 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community. For 22 years, the award has celebrated institutions that respond to societal needs in innovative ways, making a difference for individuals, families, and their communities. The award will be presented at an event in Washington, D.C., on June 1.
The Columbia Museum of Art celebrates outstanding artistic creativity through its collection, exhibitions, and programs, interacting in ways that engage the mind and enrich the spirit. Through strong and innovative partnerships, the museum is helping to build a New South by investing in the community’s children and families to help them achieve their goals in school, life, and beyond. With dynamic exhibitions and fun programs, the CMA is leading efforts to revitalize Columbia’s city center and redefining the art museum as the bustling social hub of its community, bridging the city’s past to a brighter future.
“This year’s National Medal recipients show the transforming role of museums and libraries from educational destinations to full-fledged community partners and anchors,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “We are proud to recognize the extraordinary institutions that play an essential role in reaching underserved populations and catalyzing new opportunities for active local involvement.”
“This incredible recognition as a National Medal winner is a testament to our investment in South Carolina and our dedication to reaching students who have historically been left behind or had little access to learning through the arts,” said Karen Brosius, executive director of CMA (pictured left). “Our educational programs fill a vital need by reaching students, particularly those in minority and underserved communities, to help them succeed in school and to support their development in creative and lasting ways. The museum is investing in the community’s children and families to help them achieve their goals in school, life, and beyond through the arts.”
A community member will join Brosius in Washington, D.C., for the June event to share the impact the Columbia Museum of Art has had on her life.
The recipients of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service demonstrate impactful programs and services that exceed the expected levels of community outreach. They were selected from 30 finalists from across the country nominated for the honor.
After the ceremony, StoryCorps—a national nonprofit dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing the stories of Americans—will visit Columbia Museum of Art to document stories from the community.
For a complete list of 2016 recipients and to learn more about the National Medal winners, please visit https://www.imls.gov/2016-medals.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About the Columbia Museum of Art
The Columbia Museum of Art is a charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to lifelong learning and community enrichment for all. Located in the heart of downtown Columbia, S.C., the CMA ranks among the leading art institutions in the country and is distinguished by its innovative exhibitions and creative educational programs. At the heart of the CMA and its programs is its collection, which encompasses 7,000 works and spans 5,000 years of art history. Established in 1950, the CMA now welcomes more than 150,000 visitors annually and is a catalyst for community creativity and education, engaging people of all ages and backgrounds. It is the recipient of a National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a National Art Education Association awards for its contributions to arts education, a National Park Foundation Award, and two Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Governor’s Awards for the Arts for outstanding contributions to the arts in South Carolina. To learn more, visit www.columbiamuseum.org.
