FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2006

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

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. Read more.

On January 19, IMLS published a Federal Register notice requesting comments on draft guidelines. 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 rdanvers@imls.gov.

On March 28 IMLS will host a national audio conference to share and discuss the comments. To participate in the audio conference on March 28, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. EST, call 1-800-946-0712 and connect to the “African American History and Culture” conference.

African American museums continue to be eligible for other IMLS grant programs and the agency encourages applications. Learn more about IMLS grant programs.