Boise City Wire

The Boise Art Museum has been awarded the 2024 Award for Excellence by the Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. This accolade is given to organizations in Idaho that aid the Council in its mission to ensure that individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing have equal opportunities as active, productive, and independent citizens.

Tara Adams from the Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing acknowledged BAM's efforts in a letter: “The commitment of BAM to making exhibitions come to life for patrons who use American Sign Language as a primary mode of communication has been notable. The Boise Art Museum has expended time, talent, and resources dedicated to improving the quality of life for Idahoans who are deaf or hard of hearing.”

Melanie Fales, Executive Director of BAM, expressed gratitude for the recognition: “We are humbled to receive this award and look forward to continuing our work in partnership with our advisory group of people who are part of the Deaf community to expand Boise Art Museum’s commitment to be welcoming and accessible.”

Over the past four years, BAM has concentrated on inclusive design and accessibility by working with members of the Deaf Community. They have produced ASL interpretation videos for selected artworks within their Permanent Collection. Additionally, BAM organized an event specifically for the Deaf Community, encouraging feedback on these new ASL interpretation videos which were well-received.