Grants will support virtual programs, community engagement, and collection stewardship

(New York, New York)— Today, the American Folk Art Museum (AFAM) announced that it is a recipient of grants from The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The grants, which total over $850,000, will help support initiatives that enhance the stewardship of the Museum’s collection and increase AFAM’s continued efforts to partner with diverse communities through learning and engagement programs.

“We are honored to be awarded these grants by three of the most respected philanthropic organizations in the United States,” said Jason T. Busch, Director and CEO of AFAM. “With this funding, AFAM can continue to care for its world-renowned collection, train the next generation of museum professionals, and present impactful programs.”

Commented Rachel Rosen, Director of Learning and Engagement at AFAM: “Designing collaborative and responsive programming for audiences of all ages remains central to our mission. Thanks to the Mellon Foundation and the NEH, we will continue to provide creative inspiration and paid internships at our physical sites in Manhattan and Queens, and increase our virtual efforts to cultivate communities develop meaningful community partnerships across the globe.”

The grants awarded to AFAM are described below.

• The Mellon Foundation has provided $390,000 to support the Museum Career Internship Program. This program, now in its seventh year, provides paid positions at the Museum to students from LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, Queens. The Mellon Foundation has also provided $100,000 to continue support for Folk Art Reflections, an interactive, discussion-based program for individuals living with Alzheimer’s Disease and their family members or care partners.
• Through an award of $200,000, the NEH will support and enhance ongoing virtual programming and the addition of a full-time Community Engagement Educator to the Museum’s staff. This grant will allow the Museum to build on the initial successes of programs including Virtual Insights and Free Music Fridays: Facebook Live, and increase opportunities for virtual tours of its exhibitions. Since the spring of 2020, the Museum’s virtual programs have engaged over 6,000 real-time participants in 35 countries.
• IMLS’s grant of $182,000 will enhance AFAM’s capacity to care for its collection and improve access to it for scholars, researchers, curators, and other constituents.

About the American Folk Art Museum

The American Folk Art Museum engages people of all backgrounds through its collections, exhibitions, publications, and programs as the leading forum shaping the understanding and appreciation of folk and self-taught art across time and place. The Museum is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2021.