Federal funding secured for digitalization of 1,700 LUAG photographs
The Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) have been awarded a federal grant of $46,916 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), marking the second such grant they have received in the past two years. This recognition underscores the ongoing federal support for LUAG's role in cultural and educational enrichment, despite recent challenges to federal arts funding.
William B. Crow, the director of LUAG and professor of practice in the Department of Art, Architecture, and Design, expressed his excitement about the grant. The museum's work, which includes creating and implementing a strategic plan, training staff in outcomes-based, visitor-centered practices, and bringing guest experts to Lehigh, will be further supported by this grant.
The grant is part of the Inspire! Grants for Small Museums program, and the aim is to build capacity, increase impact, and better serve LUAG's diverse audiences. Mark Wonsidler, Curator of Exhibitions and Collections, will serve as project director.
One of the key initiatives of the project is the digitization of 1,700 photographs from LUAG's permanent art collection. This step is crucial in making collections more accessible to a wider audience. The 22-month-long grant project will provide funding for study trips, equipment purchases, staff training, and student training.
In addition, staff will collaborate with an external consultant and meet with colleagues at peer institutions in New York City and Philadelphia. They will also share the art museum's work at a national conference. A total of 60 museums across the United States received the grants.
The diverse audiences that LUAG aims to serve include college students, faculty and staff; PK-12 students and educators; and the greater Lehigh Valley community. The project will also include training with a professional photographer to build capacity and sustainability.
IMLS grants are among the principal federal supports for museums, libraries, and cultural institutions, facilitating projects that enhance social impact, professional development, and community engagement. The fact that LUAG has received two such grants in a short period suggests their successful demonstration of value and potential to contribute meaningfully to the cultural ecosystem, aligning with IMLS priorities even as federal funding has been under political threat.
Thus, the significance of this grant is both practical—allowing project advancement—and symbolic—affirming LUAG’s standing in a competitive and uncertain funding environment for museums federally supported by IMLS.
The faculty at Lehigh University, particularly those in the Department of Art, Architecture, and Design, will benefit from this new project, as it aims to enhance education-and-self-development through technology by digitizing a significant portion of the Lehigh University Art Galleries' (LUAG) art collection. The funded project will also prioritize sustainability, offering training opportunities for both staff and students in this area.
