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Museum Adventure Pass presented by Macy's Launches for Second Year
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Local partnership offers free access to arts and cultural organizations in Greater Detroit

(DETROIT) -- October 9, 2008 -- Macy's, Detroit regional public libraries (through the Library of Michigan Foundation) and the Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan today announced the "Museum Adventure Pass presented by Macy's" program will return for the second year beginning on October 25. In addition, Macy's has been selected as one of three finalists for the 2008 Guvvy Award in the Exemplary Business Award category for its first year support of the Museum Adventure Pass program as part of ArtServe Michigan's 23rd Annual Governor's Awards.

The "Museum Adventure Pass presented by Macy's" program is a partnership between Macy's, 179 metro area libraries and 28 local arts and cultural organizations. The program is designed to enhance the learning experience for people of all ages through books and other library materials, and to provide complimentary access to arts and cultural organizations. To date, Detroit regional public library cardholders have received approximately 100,000 free admissions to local museums, cultural centers and historical sites.

"Macy's is thrilled with the local community's response to the Museum Adventure Pass program and we're pleased to continue our support," said Mike Dervos, senior vice president/director of stores for Macy's East - North region. "The success of the Museum Adventure Pass presented by Macy's proves there is a strong desire for education and access to our wonderful local arts and culture scene. We're thankful to the many generous participants from the libraries and arts, cultural and historical organizations who have embraced this program."

Beginning on October 25, "Museum Adventure Pass presented by Macy's" will be available at all 179 public libraries located in Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Livingston, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. This is an increase of 17 new participating libraries in Monroe County. New participating organizations include Anton Art Center, Arts & Scraps, Birmingham Bloomfield Historical Museum, Detroit Artists Market, The Scarab Club and Wyandotte Museum.

"Museum Adventure Pass is a truly innovative approach to introduce residents to our region to museums of science, history and culture, and art. Our museums provide many opportunities for lifelong learning, and the Museum Adventure Pass provides access to those who may not otherwise have it," said Maud Lyon, founding director of the Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan. "We're thankful to Macy's for its ongoing support of this program, and to our museum, who have all agreed to waive their admissions to pass holders to make the program possible."



How the Program Works

Library users with a valid library card from one of 179 participating Detroit regional public libraries can check out a Museum Adventure Pass at their local library. Library users will receive a museum admission pass to hand in at the box office of the participating organization for free admission for two or four people. Each Museum Adventure Pass expires within one week from the date of checkout.

Each library branch as well as bookmobiles will have five passes for each of the participating organizations available for checking out. Library cardholders who check out a Museum Adventure Pass will also receive a comprehensive brochure about the program and can go online at www.detroitadventurepass.org to find a list of suggested readings, tapes and DVDs to complement their museum experience.

Participating organizations include:


"We are thrilled to see the continuation of the Museum Adventure Pass program into its second year and the addition of the Monroe County libraries," said State Librarian Nancy Robertson. "Michigan libraries are engaged in the cultural development of their communities. We thank Macy's for recognizing the valuable role played by the library community and for their generous support of this unique partnership between libraries and museums. "

**Just Announced for the 2009-2010 Year!**



About the Governor's Awards for Arts & Culture

The recipient for the 2008 Guvvy Award in the Exemplary Business category will be announced at ArtServe Michigan's 23rd Annual Governor's Awards for Arts & Culture gala and awards ceremony on November 13 at the Detroit Institute of Arts. The Governor's Awards for Arts & Culture is the longest running Michigan event recognizing statewide and international leaders in the arts.

About the Library of Michigan Foundation

The Library of Michigan Foundation is a 501 c (3) non-profit, public charity governed by an independent board of directors. Established in 1985, the Foundation provides opportunities for charitable giving to benefit the Library of Michigan and to provide funding for special Library programs and projects otherwise not provided through state or federal funding.

About The Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan

The Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan, the united voice of the region's arts and cultural community, is a professional association of non-profit arts and culture organizations in seven counties. The Cultural Alliance provides professional development opportunities for staff, develops collaborations to market and deliver arts and cultural programs to the public, helps arts organizations to share resources and lower costs, and connects arts organizations to each other and to the community at large.

About Macy's

Macy's has a rich history of philanthropic giving to nonprofit organizations and civic causes to help create stronger, healthier places to work and live. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's supports causes in arts and culture, education, HIV/AIDS awareness and research, minority issues and women's issues through the Macy's Foundation. Stronger and healthier communities provide better environments for its stores to do business, and for its employees and customers to live and work.