The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts was recently awarded a federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The Museums for America grant, in the amount of $132,320, will assist with the purchase of a compact shelving system, additional cabinets and other shelving units, and in contracting two part-time registration assistants and a consulting conservator. The purchases and contracts will aid in the effort to consolidate collections stored in two adjacent art storage rooms into one newly renovated area of the building.
The art storage room will house textiles, unframed Tibetan thangkas, and Asian screens and scroll paintings. The African textile collection is the area with the greatest need of re-housing, with more than 100 objects. The relocation of these objects will improve staff access to the collection and allow for enhanced environmental conditions. The improved storage room will be key to their preservation and supports VMFA’s strategic plan for collections management. This project will begin in October.
IMLS Museums for America grants are highly competitive. From 17,500 types of museums, zoos and botanical gardens, 244 were awarded grants this year totaling $30 million. VMFA was one of only four Virginia institutions to receive a grant and with the second highest award amount for the state.
About IMLS
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Its mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. IMLS 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.
About the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
VMFA’s permanent collection encompasses more than 33,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years of world history. Its collections of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, English silver, Fabergé, and the art of South Asia are among the finest in the nation. With acclaimed holdings in American, British Sporting, Impressionist and Post-Impressionist, and Modern and Contemporary art – and additional strengths in African, Ancient, East Asian, and European – VMFA ranks as one of the top comprehensive art museums in the United States. Programs include educational activities and studio classes for all ages, plus lively after-hours events. VMFA’s Statewide Partnership program includes traveling exhibitions, artist and teacher workshops, and lectures across the Commonwealth. VMFA is open 365 days a year and general admission is always free. For additional information, telephone 804-340-1400 or visit www.vmfa.museum.
