Conrad

“Faculty are already excited, and the guidelines aren’t even out yet,” said Conrad, who has been appointed by the Office of the Vice President for Research to oversee the $5 million initiative. “This is a substantial amount of money. There are very few universities that make this money available through internal sources. This is huge in terms of arts and humanities.”

Funding for New Frontiers comes from a $26 million Lilly Endowment Inc. award that was given to the university to expand intellectual capital. Out of the award, $5 million was earmarked for arts and humanities. The funds will help generate new musical compositions and works of art, special conferences and workshops, master classes and visits by international scholars and performers.

“It’s a very, very, very rare opportunity,” said Conrad, who, in addition to overseeing New Frontiers, continues in his roles as director of Mathers Museum, professor of anthropology and associate dean of faculties.

The $5 million has been divided into four categories:

New Frontiers: Grants awarded will go to develop new and innovative works, musical performances, plays, art exhibits, direct research and creative activity.

New Perspectives: This category supports master classes, symposia, small conferences, workshops and roundtables. “This will bring people together to look at arts and humanities in a new way,” said Conrad.

Visiting Visionary Scholar: Funds will bring internationally acclaimed scholars and performers to IU in order to explore a specific topic in-depth.

Exploration Traveling Fellowship: Support will be available for faculty travel to museums, libraries, labs, conferences, meetings with collaborators or to take part in performances.

Conrad said applications for the university-wide grants will be sent directly to faculty members, chancellors and deans. For general inquiries, send E-mails to newfron@indiana.edu

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