5. Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, IN

Press Contact: Katie Zarich, 317-920-2650, Kzarich@imamuseum.org
Web Site: http://www.imamuseum.org/

Students gather with museum docents to observe an artwork in the galleries. Photo courtesy of the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA), formerly known as the Art Association of Indianapolis, was founded more than 125 years ago on the principal that art should be cultivated, studied, and available to all. Today, the IMA upholds these original tenets through programs like Viewfinders, an art viewing program that invites children to visit the museum with their teachers, think creatively, and share their ideas about the art with one another; and the Museum Apprentice Program, an initiative for high school students that supports mentorships with prominent artists on projects that develop leadership skills and expose them to the arts fields. Happily, visitors can appreciate the most comprehensive visual arts institution in Indiana for free, a recent and impactful change.

U.S. Senator Richard G. Lugar (IN) "Congratulations to the Indianapolis Museum of Art on winning a 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The IMA provides the Indianapolis community with valuable arts programming, education, and many special exhibitions through the exploration of art, design, and the natural environment. It is truly a treasure in Indianapolis and very deserving of this prestigious honor." Sen. Lugar nominated the IMA for the National Medal

U.S. Senator Evan Bayh (IN) “I congratulate the Indianapolis Museum of Art for this important recognition and for its service to Indiana and the country. The National Medal for Museum and Library Service is a fitting tribute to the museum. For more than 125 years, IMA has served not only as a center of culture in our state, but also a center of community where generations of Hoosiers can explore art, design, and the natural environment.”

U.S. Representative Andre Carson (IN-07) “The IMA has long been a tremendous cultural amenity and economic asset to Indianapolis and the Central Indiana region—and it’s time the nation took note of its significance. There’s no question the IMA is one of the finest institutions in America, deserving of all the accolades that have been bestowed on it throughout the years. And it doesn’t get any better than this high honor. Congratulations to the IMA, its board and the entire Indianapolis arts community.”