Knoxville Museum of Art

The Knoxville Museum of Art (KMA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating the rich artistic heritage of East Tennessee, while connecting it to broader global art movements.

History

The museum's origins trace back to 1961, when it first opened as the Dulin Gallery of Art, housed in the H.L. Dulin House built in 1915 by architect John Russell Pope. This initial facility had limitations due to its size and lack of climate control and security, which prevented accreditation by the American Association of Museums. In 1984, plans were set in motion to build a new facility, and by 1987, the institution was renamed the Knoxville Museum of Art. On March 25, 1990, the KMA inaugurated its current state-of-the-art building designed by renowned architect Edward Larrabee Barnes at the site of the 1982 World’s Fair in downtown Knoxville.

Mission and Values

The KMA is committed to presenting new art and ideas, educating and engaging a diverse community, enhancing Knoxville’s quality of life, and operating with transparency and responsibility as a public trust. The museum emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its exhibitions and programs, serving as a welcoming cultural hub for the community. It strives to meet visitors where they are, encouraging lifelong learning and engagement through its varied offerings.

Exhibitions and Collections

The museum's permanent exhibitions include Higher Ground: A Century of the Visual Arts in East Tennessee, which explores the region's artistic legacy from the mid-19th century to the late 20th century. Another significant exhibition is Currents: Recent Art from East Tennessee and Beyond, which showcases modern and contemporary works, placing local achievements within a global context. The KMA also features Facets of Modern and Contemporary Glass, highlighting 20th and 21st-century glass art. Additionally, the museum houses a collection of Thorne Rooms, miniature historic interiors created in the 1930s.

One of the museum's most beloved works is the monumental steel and glass sculpture Cycle of Life: Within the Power of Dreams and the Wonder of Infinity by Richard Jolley, which is one of the largest figurative glass-and-steel assemblages in the world.

Programs and Outreach

The KMA supports a comprehensive range of educational programs, including school tours, workshops, outreach initiatives, lectures, concerts, and family activities. These programs attract over 70,000 visitors annually, with an additional 10,000 students reached through outreach efforts to area schools, particularly those in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Admission to the museum is always free, fostering an inclusive environment for all visitors.

Strategic Plans

The museum's strategic goals for the 2022-2024 period focus on continuing to educate and inspire through the visual arts, with a deepening emphasis on East Tennessee's artistic heritage. The KMA aims to enhance its facilities and expand its presence through creative venues and digital engagement. Plans also include developing lifestyle additions like cafes and meeting spaces to enrich the visitor experience.

Governance and Funding

The KMA operates with an annual budget of approximately $2 million, sourced from individual donations, business support, foundations, memberships, and government funding. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and has maintained reaccreditation since 1996. It relies on a strong volunteer base, with over 300 volunteers contributing more than 15,000 hours annually. Special membership groups provide additional support to the museum's activities.