Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, just over 1070 are currently accredited. The Gregory Allicar Museum of Art at Colorado State University joins an elite group of fewer than 5% of US museums. We are one of only two such museum in the Northern Colorado region, and one of only three museums in the state to complete the full array of AAM’s Continuum of Excellence, which also includes verification of core documents and the Museum Assessment Program.
Since 1906, the AAM has existed to develop standards and best practices, gather and share knowledge, and provide advocacy on issues of concern to the entire museum community.
The Gregory Allicar Museum of Art has been awarded accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded U.S. museums.
Of the nation’s estimated 35,000 museums, just over 1,000 are currently accredited
This distinction means the museum meets National Standards and Best Practices for U.S. museums and joins a select community of institutions that have chosen to hold themselves publicly accountable to these standards and best practices. Applying for accreditation through AAM involves a rigorous process whereby museums must demonstrate excellence in core characteristics related to collections stewardship, organizational health, education, planning, public service and overall commitment to excellence.
In its letter notifying the Museum of its accreditation, the AAM Accreditation Committee stated that: “The museum is an excellent example of how departmental gallery can grow into vibrant museum thanks to a clear vision, a strategic plan that marries the accreditation goal with its new location, strong financial and administrative support from the University and the community, and a dedicated professional staff.”
On being awarded accreditation, Gregory Allicar Museum Director and Chief Curator Lynn Boland said, “This is a tremendous milestone for the Allicar Museum and clearly demonstrates the trajectory of excellence established by our founding director, Linny Frickman, to whom we are enormously and endlessly thankful.”
“Accredited museums are a community of institutions that have chosen to hold themselves publicly accountable to excellence,” said Laura L. Lott, Alliance president and CEO. “Accreditation is clearly a significant achievement, of which both the institutions and the communities they serve can be extremely proud.”
Burt Logan, AAM Chair, Accreditation commission, executive Director and CEO of Ohio History Connection. “Congratulation on this achievement. Accredited museums are looked up to as leaders in the field and we encourage you to proactively fulfill this responsibility. […] Former Museum Director Linny Frickman, a visionary and relentless promoter of the Allicar has done a magnificent job of preparing the institution’s processes and practices in a fully professional manner, thus leaving her successor with every opportunity to prosper.”
IT’S A BIG DEAL!
We hope you’ll join us and raise a glass to celebrate this major milestone at our annual fundraiser, Visualize, on January 20, 2018.