Indiana University East will take possession of 912 E. Main, located in downtown Richmond, on July 1, 2013. The space will house an art gallery, individual studios for faculty and students, and a classroom. It is slated to open to the public late fall semester 2013.

Planning for this space has been underway for more than a year under the direction of Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Katherine Frank.

Part of the mission of IU East as a regional, public institution is to contribute to the cultural and economic development of the communities it serves. The downtown location was selected in order to create more of a direct community presence, to make resources more accessible to the community, and to help improve the quality of life in the area.

Immediate plans focus on making the gallery and studio space operational and exploring possibilities for use of the classroom for IU East students as well as community art partners. Long term plans include to further develop community partnerships and to launch community-based initiatives that focus on the arts.

“Every event we have and partnership we develop should help to increase accessibility, educate the public about the importance of the arts, and improve the quality of life in the area,” Frank said. “Having students and faculty contribute to and experience this process will strengthen teaching and learning, and we hope lead to longstanding civic engagement and lasting philanthropic action and outlook.  We are very excited about what this project means for our campus and the community.”

IU East students enrolled in a summer Art Installation course with Ann Kim, assistant professor of fine arts, are currently working on plans for overall configuration of the space.

“It is essential that students and faculty are directly involved with this project,” Frank said. “Their ideas, energy, vision, creativity, and belief in the arts will help vitalize this space, and at the same time help to revitalize the downtown area.  It is truly an exciting time to be involved in the Fine Arts program at Indiana University East!”