The highest national recognition afforded the nation’s museums was awarded to the Indianapolis Museum of Art by the American Alliance of Museums. Museums belonging to AAM must undergo a reaccreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain accredited status. The IMA was first accredited in 1972.
“Accredited museums are a community of institutions that have chosen to hold themselves publicly accountable to excellence,” said Alliance president and CEO Laura L. Lott. “Accreditation is clearly a significant achievement, of which both the institutions and the communities they serve can be extremely proud.”
Of the nation’s estimated 35,000 museums, only about 1,000 are currently accredited. In the site visit report and letter notifying the IMA of its reaccreditation, AAM representatives noted the progress that the IMA has made over the past decade, stating:
“Since its last accreditation review (2006) the Indianapolis Museum of Art has transformed into a world-class institution that enjoys a well-earned reputation as a leader among America’s large art institutions. We applaud the museum for the strategic and thoughtful move of reducing its reliance on its endowment draw, bringing it into better alignment with industry-wide standards…
… The IMA is a remarkable institution. The museum, historic houses and structures, formal gardens and extensive nature park provide a breadth of offerings and experiences for visitors that are quite unique among encyclopedic fine arts museums.
… The Board, the Director, and the Staff are deeply committed to the organizational mission and Dr. Venable has put in place a leadership team of admirable credentials and a deeply committed support staff who are working harmoniously to bring the institution into a new and distinctly different phase of its history.”
For more information, see: www.imamuseum.org and www.aam-us.org.