The Allen Memorial Art Museum (AMAM) will receive a $149,687 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), announced Stephanie Wiles, John G.W. Cowles Director at the Allen.

A total of 543 applicants vied for $16,859,240, which was awarded to help museums sustain the world's cultural heritage, support lifelong learning, and serve as centers of community engagement.

The grant will enable the Allen to upgrade its current collections management system to one that will integrate collections records with a Web-based, database-driven publishing system.

The upgrade will make the collection and educational materials much more comprehensive and accessible for use by educators, students, researchers, and the public, directly advancing AMAM's strategic plan to broaden and enrich outreach to audiences of all ages.

"We are extremely pleased that the IMLS fully funded our proposal to make the museum's collection more accessible both to our local audience and to a diverse global audience," said Wiles.

"This grant marks an exciting turning point for the museum and significantly expands our ability to explore appropriate ways to merge technology and original works of art to teach across many disciplines."

"Museums for America grants help museums position themselves to play a vital role in the development of strong learning communities," said the Institute's Acting Director Mary Chute.

"The museums will match the federal dollars with an additional $32,891,246 to fund educational and cultural exhibits, digitize and integrate collections for greater access, work with schools to develop curricula and programs, and conduct research that will encourage civic participation, build 21st century skills, invest in our youth, and reach out to seniors. The grants are investments in museums and in America."

Allen Memorial Art Museum