Advent of a Civic Art Space: A Case Study on the Tucson Museum of Art 1924 to 2002

Abstract

This thesis is a case study on the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block (TMA) and its support organizations, with particular focus on the history and role of educational and community outreach among those organizations. Contrary to traditional museum designs of the twentieth century, the TMA was created with the stated goal of educating and expanding art awareness in the community, rather than placing a primary emphasis upon collecting and preserving collections. Not until the 1980s did most American museums begin to adopt such policies. As one of Southern Arizona's largest cultural entities, the TMA serves as leader in and primary facilitator of arts education across multi-generational, multi-cultural audiences.