April 30, 2014

We are proud to announce Arts Administration Professor Neville Vakharia’s recent receipt of a two-year, $93,500 Research and Development grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), to undertake an examination of the true scope and impact of our nation’s museums, historic sites and heritage areas. Aligning with Professor Vakharia’s focus on the role of technology as a means to build knowledge and sustainability in the arts administration field, the grant will support the creation of tools and resources for museum leaders, researchers, and students entering the museum and cultural sectors.

The project will collaboratively engage graduate Arts Administration and Museum Leadership students in data collection and analysis to create reliable, comprehensive tools. The project’s objectives include the compilation of national data for tens of thousands of institutions and sites; the development of new web-based and mobile technologies that leverage and provide public access to this new data; and the creation of educational materials geared toward experiential learning for use by faculty and students in the field.

IMLS is the federal agency dedicated to innovation, learning, and engagement through museums and libraries. This is the first IMLS grant that Westphal College has ever received. “I’m thrilled to be undertaking this research to advance and disseminate knowledge on the important role that our nation’s museums, historic sites, and heritage areas play in our communities,” said Professor Vakharia.