-----Original Message----- From: Eileen Maxwell [mailto:emaxw...@imls.gov] Sent: Friday, February 17, 2006 10:33 AM To: Eileen Maxwell Subject: IMLS Calls for Comments on New African American History and Culture Funding Opportunity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 17, 2006 Press Contact 202-653-4632 Eileen Maxwell, emaxw...@imls.gov Mamie Bittner, mbitt...@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 (see http://www.imls.gov/pdf/African_American_Museums.pdf). On January 19, IMLS published a Federal Register (see http://www.imls.gov/pdf/FR_AfAmHistCult.pdf) notice requesting comments on draft guidelines (see http://www.imls.gov/pdf/AAHC_Draft_Guidelines.pdf). 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 mailto:rdanv...@imls.gov. On March 28 at 2:00 p.m. EST, IMLS will host a national audio conference to share and discuss the comments. Information on how to participate will be provided soon. African American museums continue to be eligible for other IMLS grant programs and the agency encourages applications. Learn more about IMLS grant programs (see http://www.imls.gov/applicants/applicants.shtm). About the Institute of Museum and Library Services The Institute of Museum and Library Services, an independent federal agency, grows and sustains a "Nation of Learners" because life-long learning is critical to both societal and individual success. Through its grant making, convening, research and publications, the Institute empowers museums and libraries nationwide to provide leadership and services to enhance learning in families and communities, sustain cultural heritage, build 21st century skills, and provide opportunities for civic participation. To learn more about the Institute, please visit: http://www.imls.gov. Eileen Maxwell Public Affairs Officer Institute of Museum and Library Services 1800 M Street, NW 9th Floor Washington, DC 20036-5802 202-653-4632 202-653-4600(fax) emaxw...@imls.gov Visit the Institute of Museum and Library Services virtual press room for the agency's latest news releases, publications, logos, and Primary Source our monthly e-newsletter at: http://www.imls.gov/pressroom.shtm. The information contained in this electronic mail message (including any attachments) is confidential information that may be covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 USC Sections 2510-2521, intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above, and may be privileged. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication, or the taking of any action based on it, is strictly prohibited. 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