Tang Teaching Museum
Program: Special Initiatives
Area of Work: Arts
Grant Purpose: Education and Community
Overview
The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College is one of the nation’s premier college-based art museums. Tang exhibitions probe the boundaries of conventional curatorial practice, frequently crossing time-periods and disciplines, and encompassing all types of media and objects to explore intersections between the visual and performing arts, natural sciences, and humanities in new and inventive ways.
Grant
Purpose: To endow the Laurie M. Tisch Educator for K-12 and Community Programs and to create a fund for engagement programs at the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery.
The Laurie M. Tisch Educator for K-12 and Community Programs extends, enhances, and more effectively coordinates the Museum’s outreach efforts and provides leadership for public engagement. The Educator ensures that the Museum reaches diverse local, national, and international audiences through the strategic use of exhibitions, other learning experiences, and carefully designed outreach programs.
Impact
This past year, K-12 and Community Programs included hybrid Family Saturdays, in-person visits to the surrounding Albany, Gloversville, and Schenectady school districts as well as the West Hill Refugee Welcome Center in Albany. More than 500 Tang Art Kits were distributed for free to schools, libraries, and community organizations. The newest initiative, Tang Guide tours, prepared Skidmore College students to act as docents and gallery monitors, receiving training in giving weekly tours, interpreting artwork, and public speaking.
