The Housatonic Museum of Art (HMA) is proud to announce that it recently received a $9,399 Inspire! Grant for Small Museums from The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The grant will allow HMA to implement a collections stewardship project that will increase storage space for acquisitions and ensure proper care and preservation of its collections.

“Proper collections care is vital to the protection of our current holdings and future acquisitions,” said Robbin Zella, Director of the Housatonic Museum of Art. “We are grateful to IMLS for this essential support.”

The funding will allow the museum to install new modular units in a reconfigured storage area for framed works on paper. While the new units are installed, artwork will be inspected and evaluated. Information will be entered into a database that will reflect donation provenance, appraisal valuations, installation and exhibition histories, loans, and current locations.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services Inspire! Grants for Small Museums is a special initiative of the Museums for America program. It is designed to help small museums implement projects that address priorities identified in their strategic plans.

The Housatonic Museum of Art is home to one of the premier college art collections in the United States. Its collection offers students and the community alike the opportunity to view works that span the history of art from the ancient to the contemporary. Unique to the Housatonic Community College campus, this permanent collection is on continuous display throughout the 300,000 square foot facility, offering a rare opportunity for both art enthusiasts and casual observers to view and interact with the art on a daily basis. Visit www.HousatonicMuseum.org to learn more.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Caption For Photo Right: The Housatonic Museum of Art recently received an Inspire! Grant for Small Museums from The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for collections care.