For the next year, all students in Roanoke’s public schools get into the Taubman Museum of Art for free.

That’s because on Tuesday, Roanoke City Council unanimously approved a $100,000 grant for the struggling art museum.

In exchange, in addition to free admission for city students, the Taubman will help expand the school system’s summer career exploration program for fifth-graders and offer a three-week summer art camp for middle school students.

More programs are in the planning stages, said Chris Wilkes, fine arts coordinator for city schools. “We’re definitely looking at all kinds of events to connect the Taubman with Roanoke City Public Schools.”

The arrangement marks the return of the schools arts enrichment camp after a three-year hiatus, and the first time it will take place at the museum, Wilkes said. The camp will be free to participating students.

Taubman Executive Director David Mickenberg said the grant provides the museum staff with additional resources to carry out the new programs, as well as covering admission for students, who became eligible for free admission “the moment the council voted.”

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