Columbus Museum of Art to Receive 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service

The Institute of Museum and Library Services today announced the Columbus Museum of Art of Columbus, Ohio is one of 10 recipients of this year’s National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The nation’s highest honor conferred on museums and libraries for service to the community, the National Medal celebrates institutions that make a difference for individuals, families, and communities. The National Medal will be presented at a celebration in Washington, D.C. on May 8.

Columbus Museum of Art strives to redefine the art museum for the 21st century. It has earned a reputation as a model for innovative visitor engagement as well as being Central Ohio’s hub for social, creative, and dynamic experiences. Every exhibit includes connectors, unique participatory elements, which invite visitors to engage with art and with each other. More than 18,000 square feet of space is dedicated to imaginative experiences for visitors of all ages, and the museum has built strong program partnerships with 30 Ohio counties as well as Columbus City Schools. Columbus Museum of Art also proudly participates in the Let’s Move! Museums and Gardens Initiative.

“Museums and libraries serve as centers for lifelong learning and as cornerstones for our communities. Columbus Museum of Art is paving the way, linking art to education in meaningful ways, and we are proud to name Columbus Museum of Art one of this year’s National Medal for Museum and Library Service winners,” said Susan Hildreth, director, Institute of Museum and Library Services. “This year’s National Medal recipients demonstrate the many ways museums and libraries alike build strong communities. These institutions are educating, inspiring, and leading lifelong learning while serving as community anchors.”

“Columbus Museum of Art is honored to be awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service,” said Executive Director Nannette V. Maciejunes. “We are committed to providing opportunities for people to cultivate and to discover the value of creativity in their own lives. Embracing this idea has enabled to grow as an institution and to better serve our community.”

Nineteen-year-old Jeffrey Tucker, who discovered video production through the Columbus Art Museum’s ArtLab program and now dreams of winning an Oscar, will travel to Washington and share the impact the museum has had on his life during the May 8 celebration.

“A great city deserves a great art museum,” said Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “I am proud that the City of Columbus now has both a National Medal winning library and museum.”

“The Columbus Museum of Art has always been one of Central Ohio’s jewels,” said Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. “By being awarded the Institute for Museum and Library Service National Medal it enhances its reputation throughout the national arts community and continues to showcases Columbus’ success.”

“The National Medal for Museum and Library Service is the United States’ highest honor for institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities,” said Ohio Senator Rob Portman. “I am proud that the Buckeye State can count the Columbus Museum of Art among the handful of art museums to ever have been awarded this honor.”

“I congratulate the Columbus Museum of Art on receiving the National Medal for Museum and Library Service,” said Ohio Representative Steve Stivers. “The extraordinary programs and collections at the museum are accessible to all members of the community and Columbus is incredibly lucky to have an outstanding institution like this in our area.”

“The Columbus Museum of Art is one of the many reasons why Columbus is a special place to live and visit,” said Columbus City Council President Andrew J. Ginther.    “The Museum serves as a constant source of pride for our community, helping to celebrate our past and inspiring us to a more culturally diverse future.”

This year’s honorees exemplify the nation’s great diversity of libraries and museums and include a science center, children’s museum, music museum, art museum, and public libraries and library systems, and hail from seven states.
Earlier this year, 33 institutions were announced as finalists for the National Medal, and community members were encouraged to share their stories about their experiences on the IMLS Facebook page.

Medal winners were selected from nationwide nominations of institutions that demonstrate innovative approaches to public service, exceeding the expected levels of community outreach. After the ceremony, StoryCorps – a national nonprofit dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing the stories of Americans – will visit Columbus Museum of Art to document stories from the community.

For a complete list of 2013 recipients and to learn more about the National Medal winners, please visit www.imls.gov/medals.