Three Rhode Island museums will offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2010, according to an announcement made today by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Blue Star Families, a a national, non-partisan, non-profit network of military families from all ranks and services.
The Blue Stars Museum initiative involves over 600 museums throughout the country which have agreed to offer free admission to members of the military and their families. In Rhode Island, the three museums are:
- Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design
Providence, RI
- Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
Providence, RI
- South County Museum
Narragansett, RI
For specific information on how this program works, go to http://www.arts.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/index.php?st=RI#list
"America's museums are proud to join the rest of the country in thanking our military personnel and their families for their service and sacrifice," said NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman. "I cannot imagine a better way to do that than welcoming them in to explore and enjoy the extraordinary cultural heritage our museums present. The works of art on view this summer will certainly inspire and challenge viewers – and sometimes they will just be a great deal of fun."
The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Arts, congratulated the NEA and Blue Star Families on the development of this important initiative.
About the National Endowment for the Arts The National Endowment for the Arts is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, both new and established; bringing the arts to all Americans; and providing leadership in arts education. Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government, the Endowment is the nation's largest annual funder of the arts.
About Blue Star Families Blue Star Families is a national, non-partisan, non-profit network of military families from all ranks and services including guard and reserve, with a mission to support, connect and empower military families. In addition to morale and empowerment programs, Blue Star Families raises awareness of the challenges and strengths of military family life with civilian community and leaders. Membership includes spouses, kids, parents, service members, veterans and civilians.
About the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency, supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders. For more information on RISCA and its programs, please visit www.arts.ri.gov.