NSU Horizons Winter 2008 - 2009

12 horizons T he Museum of Art—Fort Lauderdale (MoA—FL) became part of the expanded creative campus of Nova Southeastern University this past July. The respective boards of trustees of the two institutions unanimously agreed to a merger that will further enrich educational programming in the visual arts for Broward County residents and visitors. The museum now serves as a key venue for students to explore the visual arts. “NSU is honored to make the Museum of Art part of its expanded campus,” said Ray Ferrero, Jr., NSU’s president. “This merger is an important complement to our academic mission on two fronts. First, our new degree program in the performing and visual arts at our Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences. The art major and programs in art administration will receive support from the museum that includes internships, speakers, and exhibitions. Second, an important element of our academic mission is to serve the community and foster inquiry and intel- lectual growth.” The museum will continue to work closely with the Fischler School of Education and Human Services in the joint development of curriculum guides that will be distributed to teachers of Broward County schools. Founded in 1958 as the Fort Lauderdale Art Center, the museum is located in downtown Fort Lauderdale in a 75,000-square- foot facility designed by American architect Edward Larrabee Barnes. The museum’s collections were largely created through the charitable donations of its patrons, which accounts for the eclectic nature of its holdings. The museum is best known for the depth of its CoBrA Collection, the Glackens Collection, and its collection of contemporary Cuban art. As part of an arrangement made two years ago, approxi- mately 30 percent of the museum’s collection of 6,000 objects is stored on NSU’s main campus. This will lead to future opportuni- ties to further collection research capabilities. “The NSU and museum campuses together become sites for innovation in the arts, a catalyst for new ideas, and a hub for cross- disciplinary collaboration,” said Irvin Lippman, executive director of the Museum of Art. Over the past three years, the museum has attracted more than 1 million visitors at its several successful high profile exhibitions including Saint Peter and the Vatican; Diana: A Celebration; Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs; and Cradle of Christianity. “The merger will serve as a world-class complement to the cultural and learning experiences we deliver to the broader com- munity across South Florida, as well as to our students, faculty, and staff,” Ferrero said. An added benefit of the merger is that admission to the museum is free to all NSU students and faculty and staff members. A valid SharkCard (NSU ID card) allows for free individual admis- sion to the museum’s permanent collection and non-ticketed exhibitions. For special ticketed exhibitions, a SharkCard allows admission at the discounted member rate. Students are eager to take advantage of vital partnerships such as this, as NSU works to create a university-based foundation for a homegrown arts community—producing artists, performers, and future patrons and supporters. Public participation in the arts extends from this strong foundation, which, at its heart, supports the university’s primary goal: to inspire students. n A Merger of Art and Education around campus