FIU’s Frost Museum & Sweewater To Form Partnership

Students, senior citizens, and the general public in Sweetwater will soon benefit from a partnership between The Phillip & Patricia Frost Art Museum at Florida International University and the City of Sweetwater. The new partnership, announced by Frost Art Museum Director Jordana Pomeroy on Monday night’s Sweetwater commission meeting, is intended “to strengthen the academic, social and civic capital of the City of Sweetwater”.

FIU has had a long relationship of cooperation with the City of Sweetwater to benefit Sweetwater residents, including providing Honors College students for community service volunteer opportunities and city hall internships. According to Frost Museum Director Pomeroy, the partnership will build on many of those existing relationships . “Drama, art, music are all very, very important because they increase proficiency in art, math, reading and writing,” Ms. Pomeroy explained in front of Sweetwater Commissioners on Monday night. “There is a clear link between arts education, and improved literacy skills.”

The Frost Art Museum currently has active programs at the following nearby schools:

• EWF Stirrup Elementary
• Sweetwater Elementary
• Ruben Dario Middle
• Coral Park Senior High
• G. Holmes Braddock Senior High

There are a number of bilingual community programs already started, including:

• A program for senior citizens that transports them to the museum at no cost to participate in art activities
• Arts-oriented family events at nearby Women’s Park
• A summer camp at the museum scheduled to begin in August
• Special-Needs Programs for those with autism, those who are disabled, or are hearing/vision impaired

There will also be a community pass which will provide a free entrance to Sweetwater residents.