SW New Mexico News

New Mexico State University art professor Brita d’Agostino expressed gratitude for the seed grant funding that enabled her to secure an artist residency in Italy. She stated, “The seed grant funding played a pivotal role in securing my artist residency in Italy. It provided dedicated time for professional growth and mentorship in proposal development and research, enabling me to explore fresh opportunities and new possibilities in my work.”

According to art history professor and department head Margaret Goehring, d’Agostino used her previous seed funding to prepare for her current sabbatical, which laid the foundation for her successful application to the DOMUS artist residency in Galatina, Italy. Goehring mentioned, “Brita successfully received funding to be the artist in residence at the DOMUS artist residency in Galatina, Italy, from April 2 through April 30. There, she will continue to conduct research to create a new body of work exploring the relationship between women, nature and healing as it applies to the region of Apulia and the local history, culture and environment.”

The third round of arts and humanities seed funding at NMSU has supported a total of thirty-eight faculty members. This year, eight faculty members in the College of Arts and Sciences have been selected to receive grants. The recipients include individuals from various departments such as Art, Creative Media Institute, English, History, Music, Philosophy, and Theatre Arts.

Wil Kilroy, a theatre arts department faculty member, shared details about his collaboration with colleague Monica Mojica to produce a play. Mojica described the play as "a deep dive into the ocean of vicissitudes around the journey we take together and end alone," emphasizing the exploration of aging and its impact on individuals from different walks of life. Kilroy added, “From Hollywood actors no longer getting roles, to academics feeling aged out, to LGBTQ+ feeling invisible, to the joys of wisdom coming with age, the stories are planned to move and delight the audiences.”

Speaking about the significance of the Arts and Humanities Seed Grant program, Luis Cifuentes, vice president of the NMSU Office of Research, Creativity and Economic Development, highlighted its role in supporting innovative research and creative endeavors. Cifuentes emphasized the importance of prioritizing support for the arts and humanities as NMSU aims to achieve Carnegie R1 institution status.

Elizabeth Horodowich, a history professor and department head, underscored the value of the seed grants in helping faculty build up research and expertise to pursue major humanities grants. Horodowich explained, “These humanities seed grants really put us in step with – if not actually ahead of the curve of – most other Carnegie R1 research institutions around the country.”

The Arts and Humanities Seed Grants at NMSU aim to provide faculty with the resources to develop pilot projects that enhance their competitiveness for external funding opportunities. With each award funded for up to $10,000, the program seeks to empower faculty members to advance their research and creative pursuits in the arts and humanities.

In conclusion, NMSU’s commitment to supporting faculty research in the arts and humanities through seed funding continues to foster a culture of innovation and academic excellence within the university community.