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The Basics about Artrain USA
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲ What is Artrain USA?
Artrain USA is America’s Hometown Art Museum. A non-profit organization based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Artrain USA has been a leader and pioneer in taking art and cultural programming to communities throughout the nation. With five rail cars housing a fine arts exhibition, artist studio, gift shop and staff administrative space, Artrain USA brings exceptional educational opportunities and community activities made possible by the generosity of the nation’s railroads. Since its inception in 1971, more than 2.9 million people in 725 communities across the country have visited Artrain USA.
What is Artrain USA’s Mission?
Artrain USA’s mission is to enrich lives and build communities through the arts. Artrain USA fulfills its mission by bringing visual art exhibitions and programs directly to communities that have limited access to museums or collections. A powerful catalyst, Artrain USA sparks the formation of local and regional arts councils, strengthens art education programs, builds community pride, and spurs downtown revitalization efforts.
How did it start?
Founded as Michigan Artrain in 1971 by the Michigan Council for the Arts, Artrain USA was established as an outreach program bringing art to Michigan communities without access to metropolitan museums. Due to its tremendous success, Artrain USA was invited to tour outside the state of Michigan. In 1973, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Artrain USA launched its first national tour and has toured nationally ever since.
Where is Artrain USA based?
Artrain USA’s national headquarters is in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
What is Artrain USA’s annual budget?
Artrain USA’s annual budget is $1,500,000.
Who is Artrain USA’s audience?
People of all ages, all levels of art knowledge and interests.
Who travels with the train?
There are seven touring staff members who travel by van from community to community accompanying the movements of the train. Skilled in train maintenance, facility staff travel onboard the train during transit between communities monitoring the train’s movement and exhibition climate controls.
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Is there an admission charge to see Artrain USA?
Artrain USA is generally free to the public, except in unique circumstances where a minimal admission is charged. However, Artrain USA does rely on donation revenue as part of its annual budget. Visitors are solicited for a donation at the entrance to the train. Tax deductible contributions are suggested as visitors entry the train. Donations are encouraged but are not required.
Why does Artrain USA request donations from visitors?
Artrain USA solicits donations from visitors to assist in covering the costs of the expenses associated with bringing the train into a host community.
How much does it cost Artrain USA to come to my community?
Artrain USA requests communities to offset a small portion of Artrain USA’s actual expenses associated with each tour stop. Program fees account for between 20 to 30% of Artrain USA’s expenses to visit each community. On average, Artrain USA’s exhibition and educational programs, staff, transportation and administrative expenses exceed $50,000 per site visit.
How is Artrain USA funded?
Funding for Artrain USA comes from contributions (80%) and earned revenues (20%). Contributed revenue sources include public and private grants, corporate contributions and individual contributions. Earned revenue sources include program fees from communities and gift shop sales.
How is the train transported?
Artrain USA does not own a locomotive; The nation’s railroads: BNSF, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern Railway, Union Pacific Railroad and many short lines, generously donate their services, equipment and crews to transport Artrain USA from community to community. Artrain USA travels an average of 10,000 miles per year.
Is Artrain USA accessible to wheelchairs?
Artrain USA’s facility is wheelchair accessible. Artrain USA travels with wheelchair lifts, which are situated at the entrance and exit. The interior exhibition space is designed to accommodate wheelchairs.
What is the history of the railcars?
Artrain USA has five cars: three gallery cars, a studio car and a caboose. Purchased and renovated in 1999, Car One is a 1949 New York Central sleeper car and Cars Two and Three are 1949 Pennsylvania Railroad twin diner kitchen and table cars, respectively. Car Four, the Gift Shop and Studio Car, is a 1947 New York Central baggage dormitory car. In 2007, Artrain USA will replace its caboose with a New York Central end car.
Does Artrain USA have a permanent collection?
Artrain USA does not own a permanent art collection but borrows works of art from lending institutions, private collectors and artists. Exhibitions change approximately each three to four years. Artrain USA is currently presenting Native Views: Influences of Modern Culture.
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Exhibitions through the years have covered a range of themes including Treasures of Childhood: 150 Years of American Toys (1989-1992), a collection of 300 historically and socially significant toys; Romance of Transportation: 150 Years of Transportation (1993-1995), a collection of transportation related works of art through the years; Art in Celebration! (1996-1998), a collection of original prints from The Smithsonian Associates; and Artistry of Space (19992002), an exhibition of 78 paintings, drawings, prints, music and fiber art from NASA and the National Air and Space Museum Art collections that reflected the excitement and energy of space exploration.
What is the current exhibition? Curated by Joanna Bigfeather, Native Views: Influences
of Modern Culture focuses on the influence of popular culture on the work of contemporary Native American artists. The exhibit celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the First Peoples of North America and explores the commonalities of Native and non-Native people. A wide range of media is featured, often using traditional materials or processes but showing them in a contemporary venue.
Who are the featured artists? Will I know any of them?
Native Views: Influences of Modern Culture features the artwork of approximately 60 Native American artists, including Marcus Amerman, Joe Baker, Jesse Hummingbird, Alan Michelson, Melanie Printup Hope, Roxanne Swentzell and Kay Walkingstick.
Where is Native Views touring?
Native Views has been touring for four years. In 2004, it began in Tempe, AZ and continued through the Southwest and Central states. The next year it traveled through the eastern coastal states and continued the 2006 tour through the West Coast, the Northwest states and Alaska. The current tour, 2007, takes the train to the Midwest, Southeast and Gulf states.
Who supports the current tour?
Supporters of the national tour of Native Views include: BNSF Railway, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation, CSX Corporation, the Ford Foundation, The William Randolph Hearst Foundations, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Indian Gaming Association, Norfolk Southern Corporation, The Rockefeller Foundation, The St. Paul Companies Inc., Foundation, Union Pacific Railroad, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and the Matilda R. Wilson Fund.
How long is a typical Artrain USA community visit?
A typical Artrain USA stay is five days. Generally, the first day is reserved for setup and a community hosted opening reception. During the school year, two days are reserved for organized educational tours. For the remaining days, the exhibition is open to the general public. In the summer months, it is open to the general public for all four days.
How have other communities responded to Artrain USA?
Artrain USA has been a catalyst for the formation of many local and regional arts councils, the development of annual arts festivals, the renovation of old railroad depots and the revitalization of downtown districts.
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