HOUSATONIC MUSEUM OF ART ANNOUNCES “ART FOR ALL” FIRST-EVER PUBLIC EVENT TO SHARE CUTTING-EDGE WORK FROM COMMUNITY COLLEGE MUSEUM AND GALLERY LEADERS
Bridgeport, CT (July 25, 2024) –The Housatonic Museum of Art proudly announces, "Art for All: Connecting Campus and Community," the nation’s first-ever event to bring together community college arts leaders from across the country for a discussion of the impact of community college art museums and galleries have on students, the creative sector, and their region. Made possible through support from the Terra Foundation for American Art with the support of the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, Connecticut Humanities, the Association of Academic Museums & Galleries, and with additional private support, this landmark event argues for the critical role that art museums and galleries play at community colleges.
The public is cordially invited to attend “Art for All,” a free event hosted on October 10th from 3:30pm - 5pm at CT State Housatonic. "Art for All" will feature a panel presentation on a range of topics, including art collections, exhibitions, and student engagement and professional development. A panel of four experts and a moderator will tackle these issues and more, to advocate for safeguarding these critical institutions. The event will be accessible both in person at the Events Center in Beacon Hall and via live stream, ensuring widespread participation.
“This event puts community college art museums and galleries on the map as powerhouses for learning and engagement on our campuses and beyond,” stated Dr. Jennifer Reynolds-Kaye, Director of the Housatonic Museum of Art. “We are honored to share the important work that’s being done across the country, and welcome all artists, educators, arts supporters, and cultural leaders to attend in-person or online. The HMA is thrilled to host representatives of community colleges art spaces from across the country spanning from California to Alabama, united in advocating for the vital role of art museums and galleries in higher education."
The public program is the culmination of a two-day convening, “Community College Art Museum Leadership Convening: A Gathering to Foster Collaboration and Expand an Understanding of American Art on Two-Year Campuses.” This initiative will bring together over a dozen community college art museum and gallery leaders at CT State Housatonic to identify shared concerns, determine areas of collaboration, and pursue advocacy efforts on behalf of community college students. While these working group sessions are closed to the public, the panel participants will integrate the findings into the public event.
"We believe 'Art for All' will not only enrich the public’s understanding of the impact of our art museums and galleries, but also inspire the museum leaders to consider future collaborations and initiatives across community colleges nationwide," added Dr. Reynolds-Kaye.
For more information about the Museum and to obtain free registration register for "Art for All," please click here.
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About Housatonic Museum of Art
Located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the Housatonic Museum of Art is committed to enriching the cultural life of its community through dynamic exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach. As an educational resource, the museum serves Housatonic Community College and beyond, promoting the transformative power of art. For more information, visit https://housatonicmuseum.org/.
About the Terra Foundation for American Art
The Terra Foundation for American Art, established in 1978 and having offices in Chicago and Paris, supports organizations and individuals locally and globally with the aim of fostering intercultural dialogues and encouraging transformative practices that expand narratives of American art, through the foundation’s grant program, collection, and initiatives. For more information, please visit terraamericanart.org.
About Connecticut Humanities
Connecticut Humanities (CTH) is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. CTH connects people to the humanities through grants, partnerships, and collaborative programs. CTH projects, administration, and program development are supported by state and federal matching funds, community foundations, and gifts from private sources. Learn more by visiting cthumanities.org.
About the Connecticut Office of the Arts
Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) is the arts-focused office of CT’s Department of Economic and Community Development. Our goal is to inspire, empower, educate, and transform. We believe the arts are a human right, and we envision a world where the arts, in all forms, are embedded in everyday life. For more information click here.
