PNCA announces nearly $200,000 raised for Museum of Contemporary Craft
December 04, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2009
Contact:
Becca Biggs, Director of Communications
PNCA and MoCC
503.821.8892 | bbiggs@pnca.edu
Ann Hudner, VP Communications & Public Programs
PNCA and MoCC
503.821. 8894 | ahudner@pnca.edu
Pacific Northwest College of Art announces nearly $200,000 raised for Museum of Contemporary Craft in first half of fiscal year 2010 A new membership program and admission fee also contribute to the renewed fiscal stability of the Museum
PORTLAND, OR—December 4, 2009—Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) announced today that since July 2009 more than $200,000 in gifts and pledges from foundations, businesses and individuals have been made to benefit Museum of Contemporary Craft (MoCC). PNCA signed a joint operations agreement with the Museum in August, launching a formal partnership designed to benefit both institutions.
Recent foundation grants to the Museum include:
· Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation for general operating expenses ($50,000) · Oregon Arts Commission for staff salaries ($30,000)
· The Collins Foundation for general operating expenses ($25,000) · Regional Arts and Culture Council for general operating expenses ($20,943)
· Miller Charitable Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation for staff salaries ($18,000)
· Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust for education programs ($2,500)
“We are grateful to the community and each of these foundations for this vote of confidence in the Museum’s programming and the value of collaboration. Such support enhances our ability to operate in a sustainable fashion,” said Tom Manley, PNCA President.
Under the joint operations agreement between PNCA and MoCC, the College has established a cross-institutional team that supports Museum and College operations. The president and senior administration of the College have shared responsibilities to support both organiza- tions. However, the institutions continue to exist as distinct 501©3 entities.
With support from PNCA through FIVE (Ford Institute for Visual Education), an initiative made possible by the late Hallie Ford, the Museum contributes in significant ways to the Col- lege’s educational programs for undergraduates and MFA students. In addition, the Museum offers a rich array of public programs, including exhibitions and lectures by visiting artists. The Museum and College continue to pursue the goals of FIVE, which are to provide stellar exhibitions, community outreach, conferences and symposia, creative research and innova- tive MFA programs.
The Museum’s membership program, sponsored by a grant from the PGE Foundation, was set into motion this fall as another method of providing earned income. Additionally, a long- planned admissions fee for non-members became effective November 19, 2009 and has proven successful thus far with visitors at the Museum.
John Bishop, a member of both the MoCC and PNCA boards, notes, “We are delighted with the community’s response to our fundraising efforts that will allow us to further advance our nationally recognized exhibitions and programs. We’re excited to move forward.”
About Museum of Contemporary Craft
Committed to the advancement of craft since 1937, Museum of Contemporary Craft in part- nership with Pacific Northwest College of Art is one of Oregon’s oldest cultural institutions. Centrally located in Portland’s Pearl District, the Museum is nationally acclaimed for its cura- torial program and is a vibrant center for investigation and dialogue, expanding the definition of craft and the way audiences experience it.
Visit the Museum online at www.MuseumofContemporaryCraft.org.
About Pacific Northwest College of Art
Since its founding in 1909, Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) has become a leader in innovative educational programs that connect students to a global perspective in the visual arts and design. In addition to its eight Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, PNCA offers graduate education with an MFA in Visual Studies, as well as an MFA in Applied Craft and Design, developed in collaboration with the Oregon College of Art and Craft.
PNCA is actively involved in Portland’s cultural life through exhibitions and a vibrant public program of lectures and internationally recognized visiting artists, designers and creative thinkers. With the support of PNCA+FIVE (Ford Institute for Visual Education), the College has a partnership with the nationally acclaimed Museum of Contemporary Craft. For more information, visit www.pnca.edu.