The International Museum of Art & Science is the recipient of a grant from Texas Women for the Arts, a program of the Texas Cultural Trust. The grant funds will support art education through ongoing Student Art Exhibits at the museum.
The Student Art Exhibits at the IMAS will be an opportunity for the Valley community to view the work of young artists in grades 6 through 12 in a museum exhibition. With the support of TWA, IMAS will welcome art programs to apply for an exhibition at no charge during the 2023-2024 academic year.
“Funding from Texas Women for the Arts makes a significant difference in IMAS’ ability to expand student art exhibitions at the museum,” says Ann Fortescue, IMAS president and executive director. “Inviting student artists to exhibit their work at the museum upholds this duty and allows families to take pride in their children’s accomplishments, and everyone to celebrate the creativity of the youth in the RGV.”
TWA is a statewide giving circle and membership program whose mission is to awaken and nurture the artist in every Texas child. Established in 2005, this philanthropic force of influential women from across the state has awarded 362 grants, totaling more than $4 million. It has also impacted more than three million Texas children.
Diane Milliken Garza serves as a member and commissioner of Texas Women for the Arts, while also serving locally as the executive director of the Brownsville Community Foundation. She states the importance of the grant and emphasizes public participation.
“It’s rewarding to have funding from Texas Women for the Arts supporting art education for Rio Grande Valley youth. We know how vital the arts are to developing well-rounded individuals and fostering the innovative problem-solving skills our students need to succeed in school and after,” she said. “As a TWA member, it was my privilege to invite IMAS to apply for this funding and I’m delighted to learn that their grant will fund student art exhibitions and museum field experiences.”
TWA awards grants on an annual basis and selects recipients following a rigorous review process.