During the recent turbulent economic downturn, non profit arts organizations in Austin have needed to be even more creative to stay alive. New alliances and collaborations have emerged to share resources, talents, skills and funding sources.
On November 1, 2011, Austin Museum of Art (AMOA) and Arthouse at The Jones Center (Arthouse) merged into a single entity, AMOA-Arthouse. The intent of the merger is to increase the capacity to present innovative programs and exhibitions, better serve Austin’s diverse community and create a fiscally sound new entity that will be able to support staff, exhibitions, programming and facilities maintenance.
AMOA and the Arthouse have traditionally served different communities of art lovers in Austin. As one entity, capable of programming multiple venues, the combined audience will benefit from new opportunities to engage in a wider variety of artistic experiences. AMOA-Arthouse’s strength will be its ability to create exhibitions and programs in two architecturally significant venues: The Jones Center and the Laguna Gloria. An intention for the near future is to further define and develop plans for new gallery space and a sculpture park on the grounds of the historic Laguna Gloria museum.
Exhibition programming will be geared toward audiences from scholars to children. Each show may not satisfy every audience, but over the course of a season Austin audiences will experience programming that speaks to them and provides opportunities for their interests to expand.
Educational programming will include classes and learning opportunities at The Jones Center, the Laguna Gloria Art School, and other area schools. Programs will serve both experts and novices in a variety of forms, media, and disciplines. Offerings will include lectures, films, exhibitions, workshops, docent-led tours, and family activities.
AMOA-Arthouse will meet the preferences and needs of novices and experts alike in interpreting artworks that are new to them. Their belief is that through effective interpretation support most programming can be made accessible.
This week AMOA-Arthouse members have the opportunity to enjoy art openings at both venues:
Members' Reception at Laguna Gloria for “Two Takes on One Space”
January 11, 2012 at 5:30-8:30 pm
Members’ Preview at the Jones Center for “Preview of Winter Exhibitions”
January 13, 2012 at 8:00-10:00 pm
I look forward to experiencing the new opportunities that will arise out of this merger of these two Austin art communities, and am open to being changed by the experience!
Comments