The studio museum in harlem is a contemporary art museum that focuses on the work of artists of african descent - as well as work that has been inspired and influenced by african culture - past and present; through its exhibitions, artist-in-residence programs, education andpublic programming, permanent collection and archival and research facilities. The studio museum in harlem is committed to serving as a unique resource to its local community, and to national and international arenas, by making art and exhibitions concrete and personal for each viewer. The museum provides a context within which to address contemporary and historical issues, presented trough art, created by artists of african descent.