ABOUT ARIZONA COSTUME INSTITUTE

The Arizona Costume Institute was founded in 1966 to support Phoenix Art Museum's Fashion Design Department in the acquisition and preservation of garments and accessories of historical and aesthetic significance. It also promotes appreciation of fashion design through educational programs and support of the Museum's fashion exhibitions. Phoenix Art Museum's fashion design collection is one of only about 15 such collections housed in American art museums.

ACI Membership provides an opportunity to be in community with others who share an interest in fashion as art. Some member activities include monthly fashion and textile programs with guest speakers, visits to private collections and studios, events at local fashion stores, luncheons and cocktail receptions.

Exhibitions that focus on clothing both as an art form and cultural phenomenon are rotated regularly in the Ellman Fashion Design Gallery. They underscore the significance of fashion as it relates to social and economic history.

The Astaire Library of Costumes included in the Museum's Lemon Art Research Library houses many rare books and prints relating to costume and textiles.

ACI's support of the collection and library depends on the enthusiasm of dedicated volunteers to help maintain and expand the collection.