The paine art center and gardens is undertaking a three-year project to enhance the stewardship of its 1,700-object permanent collection by addressing a backlog of collections care challenges, and…

The Paine Art Center & Gardens Inc. received a $513,284 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028. The three-year initiative addresses collections stewardship challenges within the organization's 1,700-object permanent collection by establishing dedicated staffing capacity and implementing systematic collection management practices. Key deliverables include hiring a full-time Collections Registrar and part-time Registrar Assistant, conducting a comprehensive inventory of the collection, and establishing consistent collection management protocols aligned with museum best practices.

The project will culminate in the development of a long-term Collections Plan providing strategic guidance on deaccessioning, conservation, storage optimization, and staffing requirements. By addressing the existing backlog of collections care challenges, this initiative strengthens the organization's stewardship capacity and ensures the preservation of cultural assets for both internal stakeholders—museum staff and board members—and the broader Oshkosh, Wisconsin community. The Museums for America program supports such collections stewardship activities across institutions of all sizes and disciplines to advance their strategic missions and public service capabilities.

The paine art center and gardens is undertaking a three-year project to enhance the stewardship of its 1,700-object permanent collection by addressing a backlog of collections care challenges, and shaping a plan for the future. This initiative will involve hiring a full-time collections registrar and a part-time registrar assistant, conducting a comprehensive inventory of the collection, establishing consistent collection management practices, and developing a long-term collections plan, which provides guidance for deaccessioning, conservation, storage, and staffing. The project aims to benefit both the museum's staff and board and the broader community by ensuring effective collection stewardship and the preservation of cultural assets.