Museum Beats Out 62% of Applicants with Common Ground Program
San Jose, CA – October 25, 2016 – Children Discovery Museum of San Jose will build upon its groundbreaking work with local immigrant families from Mexico, Vietnam, India, China and the Philippines. A recent, competitive grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) will help launch Common Ground to engage children and families in conversation about their individual and collective experiences in America. The program will curate A Seat at the Table, a traveling art exhibit that will share these stories and spark dialogue about the richly diverse cultures living together in the Bay Area.
“As centers of learning and catalysts of community change, libraries and museums connect people with programs, services, collections, information, and new ideas in the arts, sciences, and humanities. They serve as vital spaces where people can connect with each other,” said IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew. “IMLS is proud to support their work through our grant making as they inform and inspire all in their communities.”
Common Ground builds upon the museum’s program, Breaking Ground that initially brought immigrant families together to identify commonalities and develop awareness of and respect for other cultures. This initiative supports the museum’s strategic commitment to Cultural Competency and Inclusion.With Common Ground, the museum will convene dinner conversations with families from multiple immigrant neighborhoods and host a community workshop to learn more. This documented outreach will inform the exhibit, A Seat at the Table to be hosted at local community sites, encouraging conversations across cultures and seeking common ground through the shared hopes and dreams for all children.
“The work we do with immigrant populations informs our exhibit and program development that ultimately benefits the more than 400,000 families and children we serve annually,” said Marilee Jennings, executive director ofChildren Discovery Museum of San Jose. “I can’t think of a more fitting role for a children’s museum to play than creating ways for the community to discover that while we may be from different cultures, we are the same in wanting to give our children the best future we can provide.”
About Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
With over 150 interactive exhibits and programs, Children Discovery Museum of San Jose is one of the largest museums of its kind in the nation. Since opening its doors in 1990, CDM has welcomed over 7 million visitors and has offered new exhibits each year that respond to children’s diverse educational needs. The striking 52,000 square foot purple building was designed by Mexico City-based architect Ricardo Legorreta and is a beacon of discovery. Encompassing the broad themes of community, connections and creativity, hands-on exhibits invite self-directed, open-ended explorations. For more information about the Museum, visit www.cdm.org.
About The Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission has been to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. For the past 20 years, our grant making, policy development, and research has helped libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.