Cultural Sustainability on Campus: An Exploration of the Visiting Artist and Residency Program “Arts Transcending Borders” at the College of the Holy Cross
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2022-12
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MA in Cultural Sustainability
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
Abstract
This capstone thesis examined the visiting artist and residency program Arts Transcending Borders (ATB) at the College of the Holy Cross to better understand how this initiative, which has an eight-year history, contributes to sustaining and supporting culture on campus and beyond. Interviews, a focus group, and a survey were used in September and October 2022 to hear from ATB directors, Holy Cross students employed by the program, faculty and staff who had taken part in ATB residencies, local partners, and ATB artists. Findings showed that ATB has enhanced the arts scene on campus by bringing diverse artists and issues to the fore, offering opportunities for intellectual engagement and participation in the arts, and contributing a unique interdisciplinary focus. Student employees noted specific ways their awareness of the arts, connections to campus, and career skills had been increased. Artists emphasized the value of residency opportunities to develop art work and engage with students. Additionally, partners highlighted ATB’s positive impact on Worcester constituents. Participants felt some of the challenges for ATB included raising the visibility of the program, involving more of the campus community, and addressing venue concerns and staff support needs. They saw ATB as a vital program which can encourage and sustain arts engagement into the future. These findings led to a list of considerations for ATB and other college visiting artist and residency programs. As assistant director of ATB, I hope to use the study’s insights to support this vibrant program.