The Institute for Latino Studies (ILS) at the University of Notre Dame has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Getty Foundation for the Midwest Latino Arts Documentary Heritage Project.
Building upon a successful pilot program conducted inIllinoisandMichigan, the project will produce foundational reference tools and compile a Web-based directory to the fundamental research tools of 20 th century Latino artists and arts organizations in theMidwest. The resulting Web site and print publications will not only assist scholars and educators in their research and teaching, but also help librarians and archivists in collections development.
Although this art history may seem invisiblemuch of it actually remains in the file cabinets, basements and storage boxes of its creators and, thus, is difficult for researchers to access,said Tracy Grimm, ILS archivist and project director.Many of these collections of papers, files, correspondence, catalogs and photographs are in critical danger of being lost unless action is taken soon.
Unique in its approach, the project team will combine the expertise of art historians and an archivist to locate and survey Latino art collections, museums, galleries, cultural centers and individuals, as well as the libraries and archives.
The project will produce a preservation awareness brochure, distribute a records management guide for non-profits, conduct field surveys of private collections and a survey of collections already held by libraries and archives, gather oral histories, conduct records management and preservation workshops, create an on-line guide for researching Latino arts primary sources, and publish a foundational chronological survey of thehistory of Latino arts in theMidwestwith a selected bibliography and exhibitions list.
The Institute for Latino Studies was established in 1999 to promoteunderstanding and appreciation of the Latino experience in theUnitedStatesthrough research, education and outreach. Its areas of studyinclude Latino art, spirituality, literature, history, politics andsocioeconomic conditions.
The Getty Foundation provides support to institutions and individuals throughout the world, funding a diverse range of projects that promote the understanding and conservation of the visual arts.
* Contact: * _Tracy Grimm, archivist, Institute for Latino Studies, 574-631-7391, tgrimm@nd.edu
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