IMAS Receives Grant from Texas Women for the Arts to Expand Arts Access

McAllen, TX- The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is pleased to be the recipient of a grant from Texas Women for the Arts (TWA), a program of the Texas Cultural Trust. The grant funds will be used to support art education through ongoing Student Art Exhibits at the museum.

The Student Art Exhibits at the IMAS will be an opportunity for the entire Rio Grande Valley community to view the work of young artists in grades 6 through 12 in a museum exhibition. Art education is paramount as the artmaking process inspires creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

TWA Grant Recipient Square Social

The IMAS mission is to inspire all ages to explore art and science through its permanent collections, exhibits, programs, and partnerships by empowering learners to discover their interests and pursue their passions. With the support of TWA, IMAS will welcome art programs to apply for an exhibition at no charge during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Involving the community in the museum is one of our most important responsibilities. Having funding from Texas Women for the Arts makes a significant difference in IMAS’ ability to expand student art exhibitions at the museum,” says Ann Fortescue, President and Executive Director of IMAS. “Inviting student artists to exhibit their work at the museum upholds this duty and allows families to take pride in their children’s accomplishments, and everyone to celebrate the creativity of the youth in the RGV.”

Sharyland Highschool Exhibition 2019

Above: Visitors at IMAS are immersed in the vibrant world of creativity of the student exhibition .

TWA is a statewide giving circle and membership program whose mission is to awaken and nurture the artist in every Texas child. Established in 2005, this philanthropic force of influential women from across the state has awarded 362 grants, totaling more than $4 million, and impacting more than three million Texas children.

“It’s rewarding to have funding from Texas Women for the Arts supporting art education for Rio Grande Valley youth. We know how vital the arts are to developing well-rounded individuals and fostering the innovative problem-solving skills our students need to succeed in school and after. As a TWA member, it was my privilege to invite IMAS to apply for this funding and I’m delighted to learn that their grant will fund student art exhibitions and museum field experiences.” Diane Milliken Garza, Ph.D., Member Texas Women for the Arts, Commissioner, Texas Commission on the Arts, and Executive Director, Brownsville Community Foundation.

TWA Grants are awarded on an annual basis and selected following a rigorous review process. To join Texas Women for the Arts, or to learn more about the program and the Texas Cultural Trust, visit TXCulturalTrust.org


About the Texas Cultural Trust

The Texas Cultural Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and increasing access and awareness for the arts across the state. Programs of the organization include the Texas Medal of Arts Awards, Arts Access, Art Can, Texas Young Masters, Texas Women for the Arts, and Partners in the Arts. Efforts are amplified by supporters who are instrumental in the success of leading a cohesive voice for the arts in education, advocacy and economic impact in Texas, spotlighting the artistic excellence of the state. For more information, visit txculturaltrust.org.

About Texas Women for the Arts

Texas Women for the Arts (TWA) is a statewide giving circle and membership program with more than 200 members from across Texas. Since its inception in 2005, this philanthropic force and champion for the arts in education has awarded 362 grants totaling over $4 million to arts organizations, impacting the lives of more than three million Texas children. For more information, or to join, visit https://txculturaltrust.org/twa/.

Student Art Exhibition Form

The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) located in the Rio Grande Valley inspires audiences of all ages to explore art and science through its permanent collections, exhibits, programs, and partnerships by empowering learners to discover their interests and pursue their passions.

All exhibit proposals are subject to museum review and availability. The deadline for exhibition proposals is October 1 for the following spring (February through August). Early applications are encouraged. The Museum works through a formal committee to process all proposals. Not all proposals are guaranteed to be accepted for an exhibit. Please allow six months for the review process. A representative will reach out to confirm the submission of the proposal inquiry and again once your review is complete.

Artists with exhibit proposals but not associated with a secondary school may submit a proposal here.

  • The exhibition needs to come with a title and a short statement (no more than 250 words).
  • The name, title, and contact information for the Authorized Representative (i.e., school personnel, parent volunteer, etc.) must be included with the name of the school or district personnel approving the exhibit.
  • For the school or district logo to be used, it must be sent in a high-quality PNG format at the time of proposal.
  • The exhibition must be on display for a minimum of 30 days with a maximum of 60 days within the exhibition window.
  • All artworks must be delivered to the museum ready to hang no less than 10 business days before the agreed opening date of the exhibition.
  • All artworks must be picked up no later than 7 business days from the agreed closing date of the exhibition.
  • Exhibits will be limited to 50 works of art; no 3D works will be accepted at this time.
  • IMAS reserves the right to curate the exhibition.
  • IMAS will not insure any of the works in this exhibit, and it will not be responsible for any damaged or lost works.
  • The Authorized Representative is responsible for informing all other parties involved in this exhibit about the insurance policy held by IMAS.
  • All transactions and activities between the Authorized Representative and IMAS in respect to the exhibit will be made during IMAS regular public hours. This includes but is not limited to delivery, pick-up and installation.

  • Artwork can be no larger than 16.5″ x 23.375″ (A2 Size). This does not include the mat.
  • All works on paper and/or canvas board must be matted with a 2-inch black or white border.
  • Each piece should come with a label – artist’s name, artwork title, artist grade level and school.
    • No handwritten text or labels. All labels must be typed in 18-point Times New Roman font.
    • Matted works should have the label affixed in the bottom right-hand corner.
    • Stretched canvas works should have label affixed and hanging from the bottom right-hand corner.
  • Please leave the back of all matted works free of any hanging string or wire.

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