FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2006

Press Contact
202-653-4632
Eileen Maxwell, emaxwell@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

Institute of Museum and Library Services Announces $671,922 in
Grants to Museums in Gulf Coast Region

Recipients will match grants with an additional $1,496,136

Washington, DC—Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Ph.D, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) provided details today of financial assistance to museums in the region affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Seven museums in Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi will receive funds for assessing and conserving collections and historic sites, for improving emergency preparedness and response, and providing educational programs.

“Gulf Coast museums and historical sites play a pivotal role in preserving the cultural heritage of the region,” said Dr. Radice. “It is essential that we help these institutions recover from the devastation wrought by the hurricanes and subsequent flooding.” Below are a few examples of projects IMLS grants will support. Click here for a list and descriptions of the awarded projects.

The 2006 hurricane season wreaked havoc on the Gifford Arboretum in Coral Gables, Florida—40% of the arboretum’s specimens were destroyed. The arboretum will use IMLS grants to help redesign and reestablish beds, walkways, and exhibits in consultation with University of Florida faculty, students, staff, volunteers and representatives of neighboring gardens. In addition, the arboretum will conduct a training workshop to improve hurricane preparedness and response.

With IMLS support, the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) in New Orleans CAC will launch the New Orleans Center for Art and Technology (NOCAT). NOCAT will train underemployed adults in skills that will help them contribute to the economic redevelopment of the city. NOCAT will also provide high-risk secondary students with arts training that will motivate them to finish high school and go on to college. In addition, CAC will welcome displaced arts organizations into its space and help the community rebound by hosting events and serving on advisory boards that formulate policies on the future of the arts and culture in New Orleans.

Beauvoir (the Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library) in Biloxi, Mississippi suffered heavy damage from Hurricane Katrina. The former Confederate Veterans Hospital which housed the Soldiers Museum on Beauvoir’s grounds was completely destroyed. Beauvoir will use IMLS funds to retain curators to continue salvaging and identifying artifacts. As part of their rebuilding effort, Beauvoir will plan and develop schematics for a new museum and library to house all salvaged artifacts, archives and research history.

Awards are announced under the Institute’s Conservation Project Support and Museums for America grant programs. Conservation Project Support grants help museums preserve the collections and historical sites that constitute the nation’s artistic, cultural, and historical heritage. Museums for America grants help these institutions serve as centers of community engagement, support lifelong learning and sustain the world’s cultural heritage. The Institute extended application deadlines for these grant competitions and expedited the review process to provide funds earlier to museums whose proposals addressed needs caused by the hurricanes.