Additional Support Provided by Chevron Human Energy and Capital One
New Orleans, LA— NOMA’s Mini Masters program, which provides early learning visual arts instruction for 3- and 4-year-old students, will continue to build on past success with the generous support of the Ford Foundation. Piloted byNOMA during the 2012-2013 school year, the program is now at a pivotal stage in its growth and ability to reach more students.
“We are delighted to increase the reach of the Mini Masters program with the support of the Ford Foundation,” said Susan M. Taylor, director of NOMA. “The importance of an art education for all ages cannot be underestimated. NOMA is committed to providing critical early exposure for children.”
Working in partnership with the Tulane University Teacher Preparation & Certification Program, the Bayou District Foundation, and the new Educare early education center in Columbia Parc, Mini Masters introduces developmentally appropriate experiences that link works of art in NOMA’s permanent collection to language and literacy concepts. This union not only improves creative and critical thinking skills, but also aids in the development of vital social and problem solving abilities needed for a lifetime of learning. The program is free for participating students and their families.
“The power of the arts can be witnessed through the eyes of these Mini Masters as they are transformed by their own creativity and imagination,” said Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation. “Incredible art institutions like NOMAare anchors in the community and it’s so important that they be accessible to all residents so that even our youngest can be connected to the wonder of art and what it can teach us about the human experience and the world we live in.”
“NOMA’s Mini Master introduces New Orleans’ youngest citizens to the arts which are crucial to expanding their horizons. Through hands on learning, children develop skills that will aid them in every aspect of their lives. We’re proud to be supporting this program, proud that the program is reaching out to even more kids,” said Chevron’s General Manager of Public Affairs Sakari Morrison. She added, “Chevron’s sponsorship is part of our on-going commitment to the arts. We hope to inspire children and adults, celebrate diversity, and fuel the social and economic vitality of our community.”
The Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD) has released Next Practices in Art Museum Education, a resource that compiles information about AAMD member museums’ innovative approaches to engaging the public with the arts through diverse learning opportunities. The publication features 100 case studies of next practices in educational programming that AAMD member museums have designed and implemented, and features the Mini Masters Early Childhood Education Program. The resource underscores the many forms art museum education can take, and provides practical and inspiring ideas for future programming at institutions worldwide.
“At their core, museums are educational institutions that play a unique role in complementing and extending their regions’ educational resources for children, students, and adults,” said Chris Anagnos, Executive Director of AAMD. “With the publication of Next Practices, AAMD presents case studies of innovative educational programs developed by our members as a resource for the field, educators, civic leaders, and the public. Education is central to our field, and we are so pleased thatNOMA is committed to fostering innovative programming to engage and inspire New Orleans.”
AAMD represents 240 art museums across the United States, Canada, and Mexico—from regional museums to large museums in urban centers. Susan M. Taylor, the Montine McDaniel Freeman Director of NOMA, currently serves as its President. To learn more about AAMD’s Next Practices in Art Museum Education, a PDF can be downloaded here.
About NOMA and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden
The New Orleans Museum of Art, founded in 1910 by Isaac Delgado, houses nearly 40,000 art objects encompassing 4,000 years of world art. Works from the permanent collection, along with continuously changing temporary exhibitions, are on view in the museum’s 46 galleries Fridays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The adjacent Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden features work by over 60 artists, including several of the 20th century’s master sculptors. The Sculpture Garden is open seven days a week: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The New Orleans Museum of Art and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden are fully accessible to handicapped visitors and wheelchairs are available from the front desk. For more information about NOMA, call (504) 658-4100 or visit www.noma.org.
For further information, please contact:
Allison Gouaux
New Orleans Museum of Art
Communications and Marketing Manager
504-658-4106
agouaux@noma.org