Press Release

Prestigious Grant Helps to Create MUSE Summer Internships

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Newport Art Museum

Newport RI: Since the receipt of a "Museums for America" grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in 2008, the Newport Art Museum has been able to continue and expand its innovative museum studies program for high school students, MUSE. With support from the IMLS grant, the Museum now has the funding to give three MUSE students "real-world" work experience as paid interns over the summer. Students who are currently enrolled in MUSE, or students who have completed the MUSE course at their respective high schools can apply for three different positions in either the Curatorial/Education or Administration departments.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to have a paid internship," says Judy Hambleton, Director of Education at the Newport Art Museum's Coleman Center. "Because of the IMLS grant, we are able to provide this work experience for a young person pursuing an interest in the museum field."

Launched in 2005, MUSE introduces students from Aquidneck Island public high schools to careers in museum management and historic preservation. Currently, three Aquidneck Island public schools participate in the MUSE program: Rogers High School, Portsmouth High School, and East Bay Met School.

The MUSE internships will start on July 6th and run through August 16th 2010. Interns must complete a total of 120 hours and will be paid bi-weekly at $11 an hour.

Current and former MUSE students can pick up an application form at the Museum's Coleman Center for Creative Studies or download an application from the "Education" section of the Museum's website at www.newportartmuseum.org. The Coleman Center is located on Liberty Street and is part of the Museum's campus on Bellevue Avenue. Applications must be received at the Newport Art Museum no later than April 16, 2010. Address correspondence to Peter Dickison, MUSE coordinator, at the Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island, 02840. Applications also can be submitted electronically to pdickison@newportartmuseum.org. For more information regarding the MUSE summer internship call (401) 848-2787.

About IMLS: The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

About the Newport Art Museum: The Newport Art Museum's collections and exhibitions focus on the visual artists of Newport and southeastern New England, reflecting both the rich heritage of the past and the lively art scene of the present. The Museum also offers art classes and camps, concerts, talks, trips, and special events throughout the year. The Newport Art Museum is fully accredited by the American Association of Museums and receives support from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. To learn more visit www.NewportArtMuseum.org or call (401) 848-8200.

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