Support Groups

Want to gain further knowledge of, and engagement with, various areas of the Museum’s permanent collection? Consider joining a curatorial support group! Members enjoy behind-the-scenes educational programs, invitations and passes to special events including exhibition openings, and local private collection visits, and travel opportunities with special access to private collections, artist studios, and curator-led tours.

The Museum offers five unique groups, each supporting a specific curatorial department through annual dues and individual pledges of further support. This support has made a crucial impact on the Museum’s holdings, funding significant new acquisitions and major conservation and re-framing efforts. The Museum’s sixth and newest group, Emerging Collectors, offers guidance, networking, and educational opportunities for those who are learning how to begin an art collection. Learn about the unique offerings of each group below.

Questions? Contact Mary Little, Membership & Support Group Manager.

  • The Indian Cultural Society

    The Indian Cultural Society (ICS) at the Birmingham Museum of Art was established to promote all forms of Indian art and culture. All events sponsored by ICS are free and open to the public. ICS is able to provide world class programming due to the generosity of its patrons and the Museum, which provides its facilities and staff to ICS for the events.

  • Friends of American Art

    The Friends of American Art provide educational programs and travel opportunities to its members. Events include lectures by leading authorities and visits to auctions, galleries, and noted public and private collections.

  • European Art Society

    The European Art Society is devoted to the continued growth and development of the Museum’s collection, and to educating its members about European art in general, and the Museum’s collection specifically.

  • Collectors Circle for Contemporary Art

    The Collectors Circle for Contemporary Art was founded in 1991 to help support the Museum’s contemporary art collection and related exhibitions, as well as to educate its members and the community at large about contemporary art through programs, events, and art-related travel.

  • Emerging Collectors

    Emerging Collectors is the Birmingham Museum of Art’s newest support group. Through Emerging Collectors, we hope to take the mystery out of art collecting by showing members that it can be accessible and affordable.

  • Asian Art Society

    The Asian Art Society plays an integral role in supporting the Asian Art Department through acquisitions, workshops and symposia, lectures, and exhibitions. Travel opportunities to Asia, as well as to local and national events involving Asian art, are also a part of this support group’s mission.