Cameron Art Museum receives $1.5 million grant for expansion following record year

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Cameron Art Museum is celebrating a record year of attendance and a major investment in its future, announcing a $1.5 million grant from the New Hanover Community Endowment to help fund a new Education Pavilion and improvements to its Art Park.

The announcement came during the museum’s annual State of the CAM event on Wednesday, Nov. 4, when CEO Heather Wilson presented the museum’s fiscal year 2026 annual report.

According to the report, Cameron Art Museum welcomed 86,866 visitors between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, representing a 30% increase over the previous fiscal year.

The museum also reported a balanced budget, no long-term debt and expanded educational programming.

$1.5 million grant to support campus expansion

The New Hanover Community Endowment’s $1.5 million grant will support construction of a new Education Pavilion and the first phase of the museum’s Art Park.

The projects are part of Cameron Art Museum’s campus master plan and are intended to create more opportunities for arts education, outdoor recreation and community activities.

“This investment from the Endowment is an extraordinary vote of confidence in CAM, our vision, and the role we play in the cultural and economic life of our region,” Wilson said. “Our attendance grew 30% this year because people are coming together through art. The Education Pavilion and Art Park will give children, families, and our whole community even more ways to do that.”

The funding could also help the museum secure additional financial support.

According to CAM, an initial $750,000 payment from the Endowment will help unlock a $500,000 matching gift already secured from the Anonymous Trust.

The remaining $750,000 from the Endowment will be released once the museum raises an additional $750,000.

If all funding requirements are met, the combined investment in the museum’s campus could reach $2.75 million.

Terri Burhans, senior network officer at the New Hanover Community Endowment, said the improvements will benefit both residents and visitors.

“CAM’s improved outdoor spaces and connection to the Wilmington Cross-City Trail will support learning, wellness and social connection for residents across the county,” Burhans said. “The project will also strengthen the museum as a visitor destination, supporting tourism and our local economy.”

Museum reports record attendance and expanded programming

Cameron Art Museum’s annual report highlighted significant growth in attendance, education and community engagement.

Of the nearly 87,000 visitors welcomed during the fiscal year, more than 6,200 were schoolchildren.

The museum also attracted visitors from 88 of North Carolina’s 100 counties.

During the year, CAM hosted 13 exhibitions, including “The Game Changers: Diebenkorn, Frankenthaler, and Rauschenberg,” “Rooted in Memory: The Gullah Geechee Vision of Jonathan Green,” and “Andy Warhol: Silver Clouds.”

Educational programming included:

• 65 public programs.
• 106 classes and workshops.
• 250 registered tours.
• 25 summer camps.
• More than 4,400 Museum School students.

The museum also paid $128,999 directly to artists during the fiscal year.

CAM reported a 33% increase in free or discounted museum access, expanding opportunities for residents and families to experience its exhibitions and programs.

Community engagement continues to grow

The museum’s inaugural College Night attracted more than 500 students, exceeding attendance projections by 93%.

CAM also welcomed 555 guests to a November 2025 exhibition opening, marking the largest exhibition opening in the museum’s history.

Online engagement increased as well, with the museum recording 2.6 million views across Instagram and Facebook and a 40% increase in active website users.

CAM also launched its first digital audio guide through Bloomberg Connects.

The museum worked with more than 50 community partners across an eight-county region, while 103 volunteers contributed 3,499 hours of service.

The record year follows another milestone for Cameron Art Museum, which earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums in July 2025.

The accreditation is considered the highest national recognition for museums.

What’s next for Cameron Art Museum?

The new Education Pavilion and Art Park improvements are expected to expand the museum’s outdoor spaces and provide additional opportunities for educational programming and community gatherings.

The museum has not announced a construction timeline or anticipated completion date for the projects.

Cameron Art Museum’s complete fiscal year 2026 annual report is available online.