“National Recognition for the Work of Lowell’s Revolving Museum”

“Lowell’s Revolving Museum learned on May 10, 2011, that it was selected as a National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award national finalist by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. The Revolving Museum was named one of fifty finalists for twelve national awards, which will be announced by the end of June.

“The competition was among 471 nominated organizations from across the United States. If selected for one of the twelve national awards, Revolving Museum representatives will be invited to attend a White House Awards ceremony and the Museum will receive $10,000.

“The Museum’s Board—chaired by University of Massachusetts Lowell history professor Robert Forrant—views this announcement as a tremendous validation for the hard work of the Museum’s staff, its many volunteers, and Lowell’s young people, the true recipients of this prestigious honor. This news comes on the heels of the Museum learning last week that it is the recipient of a grant from the Parker Foundation to help it hire a new Executive Director in the very near future.

“Settled into its new home on Jackson Street, the Revolving Museum provides high quality arts programs for 150 young people annually. These programs instill in them artistic exploration and appreciation, encourages community participation, and creates significant opportunities for individual empowerment. Students participating in Museum programs experience increases in academic achievement, higher high school graduation rates, and are more likely to enroll in post-secondary education. Hands-on, mentor-driven programs, including a Mural Crew, Public Art Projects, Artbotics, Article Fashion, and youth-directed performance programs make it possible for participants to become inspired and inspiring catalysts for positive social change and to engage constructively in Lowell’s civic dialogue.

“For more on the Museum, visit: www.revolvingmuseum.org

“For more information  on this announcement contact Kit Harbison at the Revolving Museum: 978-937-2787.”