The Bellevue Arts Museum has been awarded a $478,492 grant from the federal government’s Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The grant will fund museum exhibitions and educational programs between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009.

“We are very honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Michael Monroe, Executive Director of the museum. “For a museum so young – we just celebrated our third anniversary since re-opening as a craft and design museum – this award is a true testament to the quality exhibitions and programs the museum offers.”

Deputy Director Renate Raymond, who led the application process, adds, “We could not have achieved this success without the help from our dedicated community. Countless supporters took action and wrote letters of support and approached their representatives.

Raymond singled out the city of Bellevue including Bellevue City Council members along with U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and King County Council member Jane Hague.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation and support professional development.

The Bellevue Arts Museum is the Pacific Northwest’s center for the exploration of art, craft and design through exhibition, educational programs and partnerships, emphasizing the work of regional artists. For more information about Bellevue Arts Museum, visit www.bellevuearts.org.