Five Virginia Universities Convene for Arts Research and Practice Advocacy

April 28, 2015

The first statewide discussion of arts-integrated interdisciplinary research and practice in Virginia took place on April 16, 2015. Representatives from five Virginia universities (University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth University, James Madison University, and George Mason University) were joined by Laurie Baefsky, Executive Director of the Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities (a2ru).

The day yielded in-depth discussions about the importance of interdisciplinary arts- integrated research and practice, as well as ways to harness the resources and strengths of all five schools to promote advocacy at the state level.

Work to further develop these ideas will take place throughout the summer and fall. a2ru partners will be invited to contribute to the conversation at the 2015 a2ru National Conference. The conference will be hosted by Virginia Tech on November 8-11, 2015.

Photograph of Attendees (from left to right): Ben Knapp of  Virginia Tech, Laurie Baefsky of a2ru, Kevin Concannon of Virginia Tech, Lindsey Hepler of the University of Virginia, Ruth Waalkes of Virginia Tech, Sarah Cunningham of Virginia Commonwealth University, and Willie Caldwell of Virginia Tech.