After some of her own research and what she calls “detective work,” she successfully united the diverse mix of museums, libraries and other groups to bring BAMM! to life.  “I called Broward non-profit arts organizations and asked if they would be interested,” she explains. “This is a great way to let people know that we exist.”

The way BAMM! works is simple. A member of the Coral Springs Museum of Art, for example, may visit Young At Art Children’s Museum in Davie for free throughout the month of June by showing a valid membership card. The reciprocal benefit is for regular admission only and may not include some special events or gift shop discounts.

Claudia Piranio, director of administrative services for Flamingo Gardens, adds that the organizations are employing special marketing campaigns to promote BAMM!

“We plan on sending postcards to our members telling them of the great reciprocal benefits,” Piranio says. “We are more than happy to welcome members from our neighboring organizations and we hope to increase our own membership roster by more than three percent.” Like many of the participants, Flamingo Gardens will also feature a special event during June. A Reptile Expo and Sale, featuring exotic pets, is scheduled for Saturday, June 15.

Adrienne Britto, interim manager of programs and exhibits for the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) in Fort Lauderdale also sees the benefits of BAMM! “It is such a great way for supporting a wide variety of programs and exhibits. It is also a good networking tool for all of us – we can learn from each other in a positive way,” she says. AARLCC has partnered with the Caribbean American Heritage Foundation Inc. to bring a series of activities for the month of June highlighting Caribbean American Culture.

“It is in this wonderful spirit of collegiality that we come together to share our rich and very diverse offerings with our mutual supporters,” notes Irvin M. Lippman, president and executive director of the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale.  “At the Museum of Art, in the month of June, we have four exhibitions ranging from concept cars from the 1950s and 1960s, the high style of interior designer Dorothy Draper and a new installation of the paintings by American artist William Glackens to Unbroken Ties, a landmark exhibition of contemporary Cuban art.”

Representatives from the participating museums have been meeting monthly to plan events and gear up for the program. An opening reception to celebrate the kickoff of BAMM! will take place on Friday, May 23, 10am at the Nova Southeastern University Alvin Sherman Library,Research, and Information Technology Center. The guest speaker will be Nicki Grossman, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau.

To keep the public informed of all upcoming events, there will be a printed calendar highlighting all of the events, openings, lectures, workshops and exhibits in June. Additionally, a website will provide a one-stop place to access more information.