The Friends of the Bates College Museum of Art play a key role in helping the museum to grow as a cultural and educational resource for every member of our community. Comprised of alumni, community members, parents, students, and artists, the Friends support a range of projects that reflect their various interests in museum programming, including educational outreach, exhibitions, gifts and acquisitions, and the care and preservation of our permanent collection.

New initiatives include support of the student-curated exhibition series Students in the Vault, and the "Alums in the Arts" lectures. Bates is proud to have alumni in museums, galleries, auction houses, conservation centers, and other arts institutions around the country and to invite them back to share their experience with current students. These two programs continue the Friends’ long-standing support of education through experiential learning and exposure to career possibilities.