The International Quilt Museum (IQM) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln announced the establishment of a new Modern Quilt Collection. The new collection will preserve a representation of the Modern Quilt Movement, which began in 2009 and continues today, through the purchase of selected quilts deemed important to the movement’s aesthetic as well as associated makers and designers. 

“The Modern Quilt Collection at the International Quilt Museum will capture the history and influence of this movement while it is happening,” said Leslie Levy, Ardis and Robert James Executive Director at the IQM. “With our state-of-the-art storage facility and textile preservation practices, we will ensure these works of art are available for future generations to view and study.” 

The IQM made the announcement Feb. 22 during the closing ceremonies at QuiltCon, the largest modern quilting show of its kind sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild (MQG).

The establishment of the Modern Quilt Collection at the IQM was made possible thanks to a generous gift from the Robert and Ardis James Foundation.

To build the collection, the organizations will establish a joint committee known as the IQM/MQG Acquisitions Committee, also known as IMAC. The committee will include voting and nonvoting members to represent both organization’s interests.

Starting in 2022, the IQM will purchase three to five quilts exhibited at QuiltCon and selected by IMAC, including one of the quilts in the youth category. After five years, both organizations will review the partnership before committing to another five-year commitment.

IMAC will also communicate with renowned makers, winners and juried exhibitors from previous QuiltCons. They will also work with collectors who have purchased past winners and provide them with the opportunity to participate in building this new collection. In addition to the quilts, the IQM will accept all documentation and relevant materials for its archive to preserve the history of MQG, QuiltCon, the quilts and artists for future study.

“As a relative newcomer to the great tradition of world quilts, modern quilting and The Modern Quilt Guild are honored to be included in the International Quilt Museum in such a thoughtful and comprehensive manner,” said Heather Kinion, President of The Modern Quilt Guild Board of Directors. “We believe the grass roots, internet-based birth of the MQG and the modern quilting movement that we have nurtured with eight QuiltCons and our wide range of member programs will be an outstanding addition to the museum's mission as our organization focuses on expanding the future of quilting.” 

The International Quilt Museum is home to the world’s largest publicly held quilt collection representing five centuries of quiltmaking from more than 65 countries. Its mission is to build a global collection and audience that celebrate the cultural and artistic significance of quilts. For more information, visit www.internationalquiltmuseum.org.

The Modern Quilt Guild is made up of over 15,000 members in more than 200 guilds in 39 countries around the world. Its mission is to support and encourage the growth and development of modern quilting through art, education, and community. For more information, visit www.themodernquiltguild.com.