By:  Barrientos, Lucio                                          S.C.R. No. 55 
	(In the Senate - Filed May 14, 2003; May 15, 2003, read 
first time and referred to Committee on International Relations and 
Trade; May 19, 2003, reported favorably by the following vote:  
Yeas 4, Nays 0; May 19, 2003, sent to printer.)


SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

	WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize Mexic-Arte Museum for its role in the cultural enrichment 
and education of all Texans through its presentation and promotion 
of Mexican and Mexican American art and culture; and
	WHEREAS, One of the oldest institutions presenting Mexican 
and Mexican American art in the State of Texas, the museum is a 
pioneer in presenting cultural programs that are deeply rooted in 
Texas; it has exemplified the diversity within our state, and it has 
created important ties with our neighboring country, Mexico; and
	WHEREAS, Located on Congress Avenue in the capital city of 
Austin, Mexic-Arte Museum has for more than 19 years promoted the 
artistic heritage of the Mexican and Mexican American cultures; and
	WHEREAS, The museum was established by the support of 
businesses, individuals, foundations, the City of Austin, the Texas 
Commission on the Arts, the Mid-America Arts Alliance, the National 
Endowment for the Arts, the Consulate General of Mexico in Austin, 
and the Mexican government through the National Council on Arts and 
Culture; and
	WHEREAS, Mexic-Arte Museum serves as an artistic and cultural 
bridge between Mexico and Texas through its exchange programs and 
by serving as the official Sister Museum of the Diego Rivera and 
Frida Kahlo Studio Museum in Mexico City; moreover, by agreement 
with the Mexican government, the museum will host exhibitions of 
great art loaned from Mexican museums for extended periods; and
	WHEREAS, This important resource for cultural enrichment is 
vital to the economic development and tourism of the state; and
	WHEREAS, The museum is now in need of a new facility that will 
better serve its mission to share with all the people in the State 
of Texas the treasures of Mexican and Mexican American art and 
culture; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas, 
recognizing the uniqueness and significant cultural role of 
Mexic-Arte Museum, hereby designate it as the "Official Mexican and 
Mexican American Art Museum of Texas" and declare that it also be 
known as the "Texas State Mexican and Mexican American Art Museum"; 
and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for the 
members of the board of directors of Mexic-Arte Museum.



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