June 19, 2013

GOV. MALLOY, NEW BRITAIN DELEGATION ANNOUNCE FUNDING FOR EXPANSION OF NEW BRITAIN'S MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy, State Senator Terry Gerratana (D-New Britain) and State Representatives Rick Lopes (D-New Britain, Newington) and Betty Boukus (D-Plainville, New Britain) today announced that the State Bond Commission is expected to approve a $4 million grant-in-aid to expand and improve facilities at the New Britain Museum of American Art.

"For over 100 years, the Museum of American Art has been an important economic driver, learning center and cultural destination - attracting more than 70,000 residents and tourists annually and offering fun and educational programming for patrons of all ages," said Governor Malloy. "This funding will help the museum continue the good work its doing, build on its world-class collection of art and ensure thousands of Connecticut students receive a well-rounded arts education."

In recent years, the museum's Board and staff have determined that the existing building is operating at full capacity. In response, the Board adopted a long-term plan that calls for a 12,000 sq. ft. expansion. The state grant will enable the museum to construct the addition which will include new galleries to house several recently acquired collections and learning spaces for the thousands of Connecticut students that participate in the museum's educational programming each year. The museum will also address necessary ADA improvements to the building.

"The Museum of American Art offers a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to take in many of the works of art produced throughout this country's history," said Senator Gerratana. "As an advocate for the arts, I am always happy to see the State of Connecticut supporting projects such as this that celebrate our history and creativity. I hope that the improvements at the Museum of American Art will draw even more people to see these American masterpieces."

"I thank Governor Dannel P. Malloy for supporting this invaluable project in the City of New Britain," Rep. Lopes said. "The museum has been one of my legislative priorities since I was elected to represent the city and I am very pleased to see these improvements moving forward."

"The New Britain Museum of American Art is a treasure and is part of the fabric of the city," Rep. Boukus said. "The expansion of the museum will ensure it delights art lovers for generations to come."

New Britain's Museum of American Art is the first museum of strictly American art in this country. The museum was founded in 1903, and since then has acquired over 10,200 works of art. Collections range from colonial period portraits to modern art produced by emerging artists. The paintings, sculptures, and other works of art collected in the museum are arranged chronologically, giving visitors a unique perspective on the development of the American artistic identity.

The State Bond Commission is scheduled to vote on the item at its June 21 meeting at 10:30 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

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For Immediate Release: June 19, 2013

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