Waterworks Visual Arts Center in Salisbury, NC, has again achieved accreditation by the American Association of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded the nation’s museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, and to the museum-going public.
AAM Accreditation brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement. It strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices that enable leaders to make informed decisions, allocate resources, and remain financially and ethically accountable – all in order to provide the best possible service to the public.
Anne Scott Clement, Executive Director of Waterworks states, “We are honored and privileged to receive this prestigious re-accreditation. At Waterworks, we diligently strive to provide our community with a cultural asset and a collaborative space for lifelong learning. We take great pride in being a leader in the exhibition of art and in museum education. This is the result of the enormous amount of support we receive from our community, which is greatly appreciated, and we all should share the acceptance of this re-accreditation.”
Of the nation’s estimated 17,500 museums, 775 are currently accredited. Waterworks Visual Arts Center is one of only 12 art museums accredited in North Carolina.
Accreditation is a very rigorous but highly rewarding process that examines all aspects of a museum’s operations. “Accreditation is emblematic of an institution’s commitment to public service and to overall excellence,” said Ford W. Bell, AAM president. “Attaining accreditation involves taking a hard look at yourself, allowing your peers in the field to do the same, and being judged to be superior in all areas. The people of Salisbury can take great pride in the fact that their local institution is one of America’s premier museums.”
Waterworks Visual Arts Center’s mission is to provide diverse opportunities in the arts for all people through exhibitions, education, and outreach programs. We are open, free of charge, six days a week. Gallery hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10am – 5pm; Tuesday, Thursday 10am – 7pm; and Saturday, 11am – 3pm. We are located at 123 E. Liberty Street in the East Square Cultural Arts District of historic downtown Salisbury. For more information, visit (www.waterworks.org) or call 704/636-1882.
The American Association of Museums has been bringing museums together since 1906, helping to develop standards and best practices, gathering and sharing knowledge, and providing advocacy on issues of concern to the entire museum community. With more than 15,000 individual, 3,000 institutional, and 300 corporate members, AAM is dedicated to ensuring that museums remain a vital part of the American landscape, connecting people with the greatest achievements of the human experience, past, present and future. For more information, visit (www.aam-us.org).
Tags: American Association of Museums, Carolina Arts, Salisbury NC, Visiting North Carolina, Visiting Salisbury NC, Waterworks Visual Arts Center
