The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) has been awarded $280,000 by the Art Bridges Foundation, the national arts nonprofit founded by philanthropist Alice Walton, as part of their “Access for All” initiative. These funds will enable the MMFA to offer free programs through December 2026.
The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts will use the funds to strengthen and deepen our commitment to the River Region by offering no-cost programs, camps, tours, and classes that are:
- Interdisciplinary, culturally responsive, and relevant to community interest;
- Led by local artists, creatives, and teachers;
- Accessible to those with limited transportation options through collaborations with local city and community groups.
“The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is thrilled to be a part of Art Bridges’ Access for All initiative to support our mission of making exhibitions and programs more accessible,” said Emily Stuart Thomas, Head of Learning and Programs at the MMFA. “We’re excited to see how these funds will help drive new partnerships and unique program offerings as we continue to welcome back returning visitors and engage with new audiences.”
MORE ABOUT “ACCESS FOR ALL”
Access for All represents a sweeping effort to get people back to museums after COVID-19 brought declines in revenue, staffing, and attendance. With many museums seeing just 71 percent of their pre pandemic attendance, the new initiative will aim to restore pre-pandemic levels—and open opportunities for all people to enjoy American art by reducing barriers to access and strengthening community relationships.
In total, “Access for All” will provide $40 million in funding to 64 museums nationwide, spanning 36 states and Puerto Rico. Among the other partners are the Howard University Gallery of Arts (Washington, D.C.); Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (San Juan, PR); Plains Art Museum (Fargo, ND); Portland Museum of Art (Portland, ME); San Diego Museum of Art (San Diego, CA); Whitney Museum of American Art (New York, NY); Wichita Art Museum (Wichita, KS); and Yellowstone Art Museum (Billings, MT). The full list of participating museums can be found on the Art Bridges website.
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