NIU is undertaking an inclusive planning process for the future of the university’s art collections and associated programming. These efforts are focused on developing ways to showcase the collection more dynamically, incorporating student research, community partnerships, and public programming, while aligning with available resources and the university’s goals.
Spearheading these efforts is a task force, co-chaired by Jessica Labatte, director of the NIU School of Art and Design, and Fred Barnhart, dean of university libraries at NIU, that includes representatives from academic, outreach, and philanthropic areas of the university.
NIU remains fully committed to preserving, celebrating, and sharing our arts collections for the benefit of students, faculty, alumni, and our community and that’s where you can help us.
We welcome your thoughts on what you would like to see from the reimagining of how NIU’s arts experiences and collections can inspire, connect, and serve our community.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey. Your thoughts and ideas will help us shape the ways in which we preserve, celebrate, and share these works for the benefit of students, faculty, alumni, and our community.
Complete this survey to share your perspectives
Focus group sessions
Sign up to attend one of the following focus group sessions:
- October 15, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., Founders Memorial Library
- October 18, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m., Founders Memorial Library
- October 21, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. on Zoom
- October 25, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m., Founders Memorial Library Room 202
- October 29, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. on Zoom
Task Force Membership
- Nanette Andersson, Architect and Project Manager
- Michael Barnes, Professor, School of Art and Design
- Fred Barnhart, co-chair, Dean, University Libraries
- Carmin Berchiolly, Curator, Burma Art Collection
- Aurore Candier, Director, Center for Burma Studies
- Christy DeLair, Director, Pick Museum of Anthropology
- Jennifer Groce, Director of Community-Engaged Partnerships, Division of Outreach, Engagement, and Regional Development
- Jessica Labatte, co-chair, Director, NIU School of Art and Design
- Kristin Miller, Advancement Manager, NIU Foundation
- Alicia Schatteman, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Division of Academic Affairs
- John Siblik, Associate Professor, School of Art and Design
