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.
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.”



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. Exhibition proposals will be accepted on an ongoing basis until full, but early applications are encouraged. Exhibit dates range from April through June 2024. 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.