The Museum Association of Taos was formed to enhance the educational missions of seven Taos museums through shared resources, facilities and staff expertise, focusing on community and cultural awareness of visitors through programs and publications. Since incorporation in 1996, the Association has organized educational outreach activities including the formation of the Southwest Research Center of Northern New Mexico with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services' National Leadership Grant. It has also increased attention of all seven institutions' museum shops through the Internet and with joint promotions, and now offers a combination admission ticket good at all museums for a year from purchase. The Museum Association of Taos seeks to preserve the Hispanic, Native American and contemporary arts of Northern New Mexico.