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The Ringling Announces Increased Access Programs for Low-Income Families SNAP and WIC Cardholders Can Visit for Free Contact Name: Virginia Harshman Contact Email: virginia.harshman@ringling.org Contact Phone Number: 9413595700 Sarasota, Florida—The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art announced today that it has added benefits for WIC cardholders to its Museums for All program. Museums for All is a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), to encourage people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits. The program supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits visiting The Ringling by offering free admission for up to four people with the presentation of a SNAP, WIC, or other Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Similar free and reduced admission is available to eligible members of the public at more than 250 museums across the country. Museums for All is part of The Ringling’s broad commitment to welcome and serve all audiences. Museums for All helps expand access to museums and also raises public awareness about how museums in the U.S. are reaching their communities. More than 250 institutions participate in the initiative, including art museums, children’s museums, science centers, botanical gardens, zoos, history museums and more. Participating museums are located nationwide, representing more than 40 states. # # # About the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. About The Association of Children's Museums (ACM) The Association of Children’s Museums champions children's museums worldwide. With more than 400 members in 48 states and 20 countries, ACM leverages the collective knowledge of children's museums through convening, sharing and dissemination. Learn more at www.childrensmuseums.org. About The Ringling The Ringling is a pre-eminent center for the arts, history and learning that is dedicated to bringing the past and contemporary culture to life through extraordinary visitor experiences. From its inception, The Ringling has joined the diverse visual traditions and theatrical spectacle of yesterday with the genre-defying global practitioners of today. A place of exploration, discovery and respite, The Ringling’s campus in Sarasota, Florida – which includes the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, an historic mansion, an 18th-century theater and bayfront gardens – is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As the State Art Museum of Florida and part of Florida State University, The Ringling fulfills an important educational mission. The Ringling offers formal and informal programs of study serving as a major resource for students, scholars, and lifelong learners of every age within the region, across the country and around the world. Media Contacts: The Ringling Virginia Harshman Public relations specialist 941-359-5700 x2803 Virginia.harshman@ringling.org