TOLEDO, OHIO.-  The Toledo Museum of Art has been awarded a Learning Opportunity grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This grant will aid the Museum in developing family-oriented audio tours of the Museum’s collection.

The Museum received $136,800 in the IMLS grant. This funding will be used to develop two sets of permanent collection tours that will provide non-traditional and family audiences with new, stimulating, and changing ways to explore the permanent collection. The tours will relate to the subject of “making art,” consistent with the concept of linking art with the creative process. This project combines the Museum’s expertise in art education with the growing popularity of hand-held audio technology. The Museum will produce one tour in 2004 and one in 2005.

“We are so pleased that IMLS has chosen to support our project,” stated Museum Director Roger M. Berkowitz. “Their generous support will assist us greatly in providing audio tours for both adults and children at the Museum. These tours will advance our mission as we strive to integrate art into the lives of people.” The Museum was one of only four IMLS grants awarded in the state of Ohio.

The mission of the Toledo Museum of Art is based upon the belief in the power of art to ignite the imagination, stimulate thought, and provide enjoyment. Through our collection and programs, we strive to integrate art into the lives of people.

The total awarded by the IMLS was $15,464,815 to 169 outstanding museums across the country to use collections, resources, and technology for public outreach. The Institute, the primary federal funding agency for the nation’s museums and libraries, received 933 requests totaling $82,773,147.

“Museums use the power of real things to connect us to history, science, and the creative process,” said Robert Martin, Director of the Institute. “These grants will help museums do just that by building public access, expanding educational services and reaching out to families and children. This Learning Opportunity grant will further IMLS’ mission to help museums create and sustain our nation of lifelong learners.”