Access
for All
Art Bridges Foundation is excited to launch its Access for All pilot program — a transformative, three-year funding initiative that aims to increase access to museums across America and foster engagement with local audiences. The new $40 million initiative provides support to 64 current Art Bridges museum partners by covering the costs of admission, programming, marketing, outreach, and additional efforts that reduce barriers to access. Access for All programming will begin at all awarded museums by January 2024.
FREE ADMISSION & PROGRAMMING
Access for All embodies Art Bridges’ core values by helping museums build relationships with new audiences, engage current audiences in new ways, and emphasize interdisciplinary programming.
The pilot program will support museums by underwriting their admission fees on a designated “Access for All Day,” which will occur once a month throughout the three-year program. On this day, museums have an opportunity to offer free admission to the public, opening their doors to all communities.
Museums that already offer free daily general admission can use their award for programming, marketing, and outreach initiatives that support its Access for All Day. Museums also have the option to offer free extended hours or alternative programming structures that meet the unique needs of the museum and its audiences.
Access for All goes beyond free admission by collaborating with museums to create transformative, interdisciplinary, and audience-building programming. Awardees will have the flexibility to design events and activities that resonate with their local communities. By offering compelling programming, museums can draw in new audiences and make them feel welcome.
MARKETING & OUTREACH
Access for All addresses the need for effective marketing and outreach to ensure that all communities are aware of and feel welcome at our partner museums. Access for All awards support museums in reaching out to these communities using new avenues and marketing methods that prioritize access.
PARTICIPATING MUSEUMS
Amon Carter Museum of American Art
Art Museum of West Virginia University
Clark Atlanta University Art Museum
Fairfield University Art Museum
Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum | Florida International University
Harn Museum of Art | University of Florida
Howard University Gallery of Art
IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts
LSU Museum of Art | Shaw Center for the Arts
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
New Britain Museum of American Art
Olana Partnership at Olana State Historic Site
Palmer Museum of Art | Pennsylvania State University
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Westmoreland Museum of American Art
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