Spectrum discovery area will establish an artist-in-residence program, integrating visual art with the museum's programing

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the University of Montana $864,260 on September 1, 2026, under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) to establish an artist-in-residence program integrating visual art with museum programming at the Spectrum Discovery Area in Missoula, Montana.

The project delivers artist residencies, staff development, and five to seven new arts-integrated STEAM field trips that highlight scientific accomplishments, artistic traditions, and regional narratives of Montanans. Activities strengthen community engagement through collaborative efforts and serve museum visitors, K-12 students, makerspace patrons, and rural communities participating in the museum's Science on Wheels program. Project outcomes include increased visitor awareness of creativity in scientific inquiry, enhanced visual literacy, and expanded access to high-quality STEAM programming.

The award runs through August 31, 2029, and covers work performed in Missoula, Montana.

This effort will highlight the scientific accomplishments, artistic traditions, and regional narratives of past and present montanans while strengthening community engagement through novel collaborative efforts. Project activities include artist residencies, staff development, and creation of five to seven new arts-integrated steam field trips. Project beneficiaries include museum visitors, k-12 students, patrons of the makerspace, and rural communities through the museum's science on wheels program. Project outcomes include increased awareness of the creativity involved in scientific inquiry, enhanced visual literacy among visitors, and expanded access to high-quality steam programming.