The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho (TAM) has launched a new initiative called "Foster the Arts", offering free annual family memberships to foster families across Eastern Idaho.

“Foster families play such a vital role in our community,” said Amy Thompson, development director at TAM and former foster parent, “they're helping children heal, grow and find their footing again, and we believe art can be an important part of that process. 

The program aims to celebrate and support families who open their homes to children in foster care, while helping those children find connection and healing through art. 

According to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, about 2,600 Idaho children experienced out-of-home placements during the 2024 fiscal year.

“Foster families are invited to enjoy exhibitions, participate in family-friendly programs and make art a part of their shared story,” said Thompson in a press release regarding the "Foster the Arts" initiative.   

Each annual family membership will provide unlimited free admission for a full year as well as discounts on classes, workshops and special events.

“We're honored to create a space where families can connect, create and find joy together through art,” Thompson said in a press release regarding the "Foster the Arts" initiative.

Thompson said the idea for the program comes from her own experience, as she herself was a foster parent for six years before adopting one of her children. During that time, she witnessed how art helped children from difficult circumstances express themselves and feel a sense of belonging.

“By removing barriers to access, we want every child in foster care to know: this is their art museum,” Thompson said in a press release regarding the "Foster the Arts" initiative. “It is a place where they belong, where their voices and perspectives matter, and where they can feel connected to both the arts and their community.” 

Foster family numbers are improving across the state, but officials say there is still a strong need for more foster parents in Idaho.

“With strong support from the Idaho Legislature, Idaho secured a historic $23.2 million investment to strengthen prevention services, expand staff, extend foster care to age 23, and improve support for kinship care and foster families,” said Monty Prow, deputy director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, in a recent announcement.

The "Foster the Arts" initiative will be implemented on Nov. 1.

For more information or to claim your free family membership, visit the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho's website.