NEW YORK, Nov. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- MetLife Foundation today announced the grant winners of its 2008 Museum and Community Connections program. The grants, totaling $1,000,000, were awarded to 16 museums for exhibitions, artist residencies, and other programs that extend their reach into diverse communities and make art a part of people's lives.

"MetLife Foundation has a long history of partnering with museums to support educational opportunities for people of all ages," said Sibyl Jacobson, president and CEO, MetLife Foundation. "Museums enrich our lives in many ways, increase understanding of our world and reflect diverse cultural traditions. MetLife Foundation is pleased to make investments in projects that reach out to people in imaginative ways."

The goal of the competitive program is to broaden arts programming and promote museums as centers of education without boundaries. Winners were selected on the basis of their potential to engage diverse populations in the arts, creativity and innovation, and commitment to community.

Recipients are:

• Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
• Columbus Museum of Art (Columbus, OH)
  
• Dallas Museum of Art (Dallas, TX)
  
• Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit, MI)
  
• Des Moines Art Center (Des Moines, IA)
  
• Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art (Indianapolis, IN)
  
• Freeport Art Museum (Freeport, IL)
  
• Hunter Museum of American Art (Chattanooga, TN)
  
• Josyln Art Museum (Omaha, NE)
  
• Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft (Louisville, KY)
  
• Milwaukee Art Museum (Milwaukee, WI)
  
• National Museum of Mexican Art (Chicago, IL)
  
• North Dakota Museum of Art (Grand Forks, ND)
  
• Oklahoma City Museum of Art (Oklahoma City, OK)
  
• Walker Art Center (Minneapolis, MN)
  
• Wiregrass Museum of Art (Dotham, AL)

MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its long-standing tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. MetLife and MetLife Foundation have invested more than $15 million for Alzheimer's research and public information programs, including $10 million through the Awards for Medical Research program. Working with the Alzheimer's Association, the Foundation has supported caregiving videos, resources for the Hispanic community and the Safe Return identification program, which addresses the problem of senior wandering. The Foundation has expanded its focus on aging issues, including helping people remain physically and mentally fit and remaining engaged in the community. It also supports programs addressing issues of caregiving, intergenerational activities and volunteer opportunities. Grants support health, education, and civic and cultural programs. More information about MetLife Foundation is available at www.metlife.org.

More from MetLife Foundation