An Open Door to Art at Boise Art Museum

BOISE – For the fifth year, Boise Art Museum is partnering with Boise State University to provide local
college students with opportunities to experience world-class visual art exhibitions and educational programs,
free of charge. Beginning August 24, 2009 all current full-time BSU students with valid identification cards will
receive free admission to BAM until August 22, 2010.
“Together we are offering free access to the Museum as an extension of the classroom – a permanent learning
space they can depend upon as a resource at any point in their lives,” states BAM’s Executive Director, Melanie
Fales. “Through this important partnership, we are helping students understand that their education continues
long after graduation from college. We are fostering an excitement for learning and the pursuit of a lifelong
education process.”
This partnership expands on a pilot program initiated in 2005, which encouraged full-time BSU students to visit
BAM for free during the 2005/2006 academic year. The current partnership has been expanded to offer free
admission to faculty and staff and to full-time students for an entire calendar year.
“Throughout the last four years, we have had professors from the English, art, philosophy, French, athletics,
international exchange, kinesiology, bilingual education and art departments, as well as the student success
program and BSU’s Children’s Center, take advantage of the program and bring their classes to the Museum.
We’ve had requests from faculty and students to continue the program,” says Fales. Many faculty members
have contacted BAM to express their gratitude and hopes that the partnership will continue. Fales agrees with
these sentiments, noting that the program has opened BAM’s doors for BSU students to experience original
works of art at any time. “We are fortunate to be neighboring educational institutions that can collaborate to
provide learning beyond the campus, doubling the opportunities for students. This partnership serves as a
successful model of two educational institutions working together to better serve students and the community.”
Full-time students must present their current BSU Student ID Cards at the time of admittance to BAM to receive
free admission. Benefit-eligible faculty and staff must present their ID cards for free admission. All class and
group visits (30-student maximum) must be scheduled with BAM’s Education Department at least two weeks in
advance.
Boise Art Museum (BAM) is located downtown in Julia Davis Park. HOURS Tuesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM and Sunday, Noon – 5 PM.
Open 10 AM – 9 PM the first Thursday of each month, featuring free or reduced admission all day. ADMISSION $5 General, $3 Seniors
(62+) and full time college students, $1 children grades 1-12. Children under 6 and Museum members are always free. Boise State
University students gain free admission with their valid student ID card, through 8/22/10.
Boise Art Museum is a privately funded, non-profit museum accredited by the American Association of Museums. Support is provided by
BAM members, contributions and grants from individuals, corporations and foundations, as well as grant funding from the city of Boise,
Idaho Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.