NEW YORK, NY.- On May 18, 144 members of the Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD) will offer free or reduced admission and special programs for the eighth annual Art Museum Day.

The theme of this year’s celebration is Art Museums Foster Vibrant Communities. This theme reflects the role art museums play as engines for the creative economy and partners with school systems and civic organizations—directly and indirectly benefiting everyone in their communities.

AAMD encourages visitors to use social media to share their Art Museum Day experiences using the hashtag #artmuseumday.

“Art museums are invaluable communal spaces that bring people together to experience the best of human creativity across cultures and generations,” said Chris Anagnos, Executive Director of AAMD. “On Art Museum Day, museums across North America invite everyone to come together with their families, friends, and neighbors to celebrate that creative spirit, connect in common experiences, and enjoy great works of art.”

“The members of AAMD are proud to participate in Art Museum Day as part of our service to our communities,” said Brian Ferriso, President of AAMD and Director and Chief Curator of the Portland Art Museum. “We are excited to share our programs, exhibitions, and collections with the public and welcome everyone to join us on May 18.”

AAMD represents 245 art museums in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. An agile, issues-driven organization, AAMD has three desired outcomes: engagement, leadership, and shared learning. International Museum Day is organized annually around the world by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

A comprehensive list of participating AAMD member art museums will be available on the AAMD website. Note that while AAMD’s Art Museum Day and ICOM’s International Museum Day are formally held each year on May 18, some institutions shift their celebrations to adjacent dates.