SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA.- The SBC Foundation, the philanthropic arm of SBC Communications and SBC Pacific Bell, is providing a $500,000 grant for specialized software to bring the Crocker Art Museum’s collection online for schools and communities throughout California and the world.

The grant will allow the Crocker Art Museum to computerize its collection of nearly 10,000 pieces, making the collection available for the first time on the World Wide Web, CD-ROM and on terminals to be installed inside the Museum. Today, only 5 percent of the Museum’s collection is on view and seen in-person at any given time.

Art lovers around the world can tour the Museum’s expansive collection and schools will be able to enhance art programs by bringing the Crocker Art Museum directly into the classroom through this interactive multi-media program. Teachers will also benefit from curricula developed by the Crocker to support the instruction of the visual arts, social sciences and language arts.

"We are extremely grateful to SBC Pacific Bell and the SBC Foundation for providing this generous donation," said Lial Jones, director, Crocker Art Museum. "Exposure to the arts is critical in creating a more meaningful life. We are pleased that with the help of the SBC Foundation, the Crocker Art Museum can continue to play a vital role in making available resources that benefit educators, students and the community."

As the primary visual arts institution in Northern California, the Crocker Art Museum is endowed with art collections of national and international importance. The California collection dates from statehood to the present day and is one of the largest art collections of its kind. The Master Drawings collection is one of the best in the world and the Museum is home to one of the largest ceramic collections in the United States.

"The Crocker collection is a community treasure," said Mayor Heather Fargo. "This donation will help make our tremendous resource available electronically throughout our region and even around the world."

Across the country, school arts programs have been victimized by budget cuts. The Crocker’s educational services can help supplement resources for school arts programs through the use of this technology, extending its reach throughout California and the nation.

"SBC is pleased to support programs that enhance education through the use of technology," said Loretta Walker, vice president of external affairs for SBC Pacific Bell.

"We believe that the growth and success of a community rely on opportunities created by a first-rate education system, access to the arts and innovative uses of technology."

The Crocker Art Museum, founded in 1885, serves more than 140,000 visitors each year. The technology project is an integral part of the Museum’s expansion plans to triple the size of the current facility and modernize its collection management technology to 21st-century museum standards.

The Crocker Art Museum is dedicated to promoting awareness of and enthusiasm for art and as the leading visual arts institution in California’s Capitol Region, serves as the primary regional resource for the study and appreciation of fine art.

The SBC Foundation is the charitable giving arm of SBC Communications Inc. and its family of companies. In 2001, SBC, through Foundation and corporate giving, donated nearly $99 million to support efforts that enrich and strengthen diverse communities nationwide. The Foundation places primary emphasis on supporting programs that help increase access to information technologies; broaden technology training and professional skills development; and effectively integrate new technologies to enhance education and economic development -- especially for underserved populations. SBC has been named among America’s Most Generous Companies for two consecutive years by Worth magazine (2000 & 2001).

SBC Communications Inc. (www.sbc.com) is one of the world’s leading data, voice and Internet services providers. Through its world-class network and its subsidiaries’ trusted brands - SBC Southwestern Bell, SBC Ameritech, SBC Pacific Bell, SBC Nevada Bell, SBC SNET and Sterling Commerce - SBC companies provide a full range of voice, data, networking and e-business services, as well as directory advertising and publishing. A Fortune 27 company, America’s leading provider of high-speed DSL Internet Access services, and one of the nation’s leading Internet Service Providers, SBC companies currently serve nearly 60 million access lines nationwide. In addition, SBC owns 60 percent of America’s second largest wireless company -- Cingular Wireless -- which serves more than 21 million wireless customers. Internationally, SBC has telecommunications investments in 28 countries.