Military service members, veterans and their families sacrifice much for the betterment of our community and to honor that Phoenix Art Museum created their Military Access Program, allowing these individuals free access to the museum. The program, known as MAP@PAM, offers active and retired members of the military both complimentary general admission and complimentary admission to all specially ticketed exhibitions thanks to a $50,000 grant from APS. Since November 2017, APS’s contribution has welcomed more than 4,000 members of the military and their families to the Museum and will extend into 2019.

“We are immensely grateful for APS’s tremendous act of generosity, which enables Phoenix Art Museum to provide unlimited access to art, exhibitions, and educational programs for all military families, including those visiting from out of state,” said Amada Cruz, the Museum’s Sybil Harrington Director and CEO. “We are deeply committed to expressing our appreciation for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families, and we are pleased to honor them for all they do in service to our nation through MAP@PAM.”

In late-May, the museum hosted nearly 100 people, including veterans, active-duty military personnel, their families, community volunteers, and representatives from APS to highlight the program and its availability. On display at the event was an installation of more than 20 artworks created by veterans participating in the Arizona Art Alliance Veteran’s Outreach Program, which offers free art classes to veterans at nine locations throughout the Valley. Alliance program manager, John Fontana, shared the importance of art for the military and veteran population to cope with post-service issues like PTSD and depression, but also as an outlet for expression and enjoyment. Guests also participated in hands-on activities provided by Cut + Paste PHX and attended the Museum’s free Slow Art and Mindfulness session, hosted in collaboration with Hospice of the Valley.

“We are elated that a program like this was created with the intent to honor our military service members, and we’re thankful that our support will open the doors to a world of art and culture for this population of selfless individuals who’ve worn the cloth of our nation,” said Hal Pittman, director of external communications at APS. “Some might not see a connection between military and the arts, but the connection is actually quite strong, and has the power to heal.”

For more information on the MAP@PAM program, visit www.phxart.org/MilitaryAccessProgram.