The Carle Receives Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art proudly announces that it is a 2024 recipient of a Museums for America grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The Carle will receive $244,003 in federal funds to develop an exhibition celebrating and centering North American Indigenous picture book artists and documenting the chronology of their contributions to children’s literature.

“We are grateful to IMLS for supporting this important project,” said Jennifer Schantz, director of The Carle. “The exhibition will bring together the art of Indigenous children’s book illustrators from across what is now known as North America to share their collective efforts to create positive, dynamic representations of historical and contemporary Native lives and cultures.” 

The Carle is among 115 museums of diverse sizes, disciplines, and geographies receiving IMLS support this year for strategic, project-based efforts to serve the public. In total, the Museums for America program’s 2024 awardees will receive more than $23 million in federal funding. Many grant applications requested funding for projects related to America250, the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 led by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.

“As pillars of our communities, libraries and museums bring people together by providing important programs, services, and collections. These institutions are trusted spaces where people can learn, explore and grow,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “IMLS is proud to support their initiatives through our grants as they educate and enhance their communities.”

About the Project

Artists and authors have represented Indigenous people in children’s literature for nearly 300 years. Most early portrayals were made by non-Indigenous creators who often essentialized Native identity, perpetuated stereotypes, and did irreparable harm to Indigenous people. The past two decades have seen a rise in children’s book art and stories created by Indigenous artists, from the brilliant and complex collages of Julie Flett (Cree–Métis) to the iridescent watercolors of Michaela Goade (enrolled member of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska). North American Indigenous illustrators are creating a new space in the publishing world, while simultaneously building new audiences of young readers, teachers, and parents who need and value authentic stories and images.

The Museums for America grant will support The Carle’s development of North American Indigenous Picture Book Art, Past-Present-Future, an exhibition planned for 2027 that will celebrate and center Indigenous picture book artists and document the chronology of their contributions to children’s literature. With the support of an Indigenous guest curator and an Indigenous Community Advisory Group, the Carle’s project team will highlight the creativity of Indigenous artists who have been historically marginalized in art museums, children’s publishing, and broader society.

Project activities will include research to develop a chronology of artists; outreach and relationship building with the support of the Indigenous Community Advisory Group; the development of an innovative exhibition highlighting Indigenous voices; and the implementation of educational programs for multiple audiences. The project will benefit visitors including Indigenous youth and communities, K-12 educators, librarians, and the children’s literature community, and promote Indigenous stories and identities.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Founded by Eric and Barbara Carle in 2002, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is the international champion of picture book art. Situated on 7.5 acres in Amherst, Massachusetts, The Carle houses a rich and deep collection of art of more than 300 picture book artists, including Eric Carle (author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar), and illuminates its collection through exhibitions, education, programming, and art-making—making it a critical resource for picture book artists and authors, and art-loving communities locally, nationally, and abroad. The Carle’s mission is to elevate picture book art and inspire a love of art and art creation. Since opening its doors more than 20 years ago, The Carle has welcomed more than one million visitors—plus more than four million additional museumgoers who have enjoyed its touring exhibitions around the world. 

For further information, please contact: Amanda Domizio, Amanda Domizio Communications, 347-229-2877 / amanda@domiziopr.com