MONTCLAIR, NJ.- The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) has been designated a Major Arts Organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for a solid history of excellence in substantial arts programming and contribution to increasing the quality of life in New Jersey. This marks the 12th straight year that MAM has been accorded this designation. Additionally, MAM received a Citation of Excellence, which is given to the Major Arts Organizations that receive the highest evaluation by the review panel. State Arts Council leadership held an awards reception on April 29, 2010, in Trenton to recognize the importance of the work of the Montclair Art Museum.

MAM’s director, Lora Urbanelli, said: "We are so pleased that the Museum’s efforts, year after year, to deliver excellence in arts programming to New Jersey residents and beyond is recognized by the State. As the first institution in New Jersey designed as a museum, MAM has always regarded its public service role as a serious and prominent part of its mission and tried to fulfill it at the highest level possible. Our residents deserve no less."

These awards, the State Arts Council’s most prestigious marks of distinction, are designated based on grant application review and conferred upon the Montclair Art Museum for the duration of the grant period for which funding is received.

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts is a division of the NJ Department of State. It receives funding in direct appropriations from the State of New Jersey through a dedicated Hotel/Motel Occupancy fee and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. Since 1966, its volunteer members and professional staff have worked to improve the quality of life in New Jersey by helping the arts to flourish.