The University of Oregon Institute for Community Arts Studies sustains and strengthens arts, culture and heritage in the American West through research, policy, education, and community engagement.

In its main objective to foster civic engagement and cultural resource development in the American West, ICAS will, through research and education, support policymakers and cultural sector professionals to:

• Cultivate public participation in the arts
• Foster creative activities
• Preserve cultural heritage
• Develop sustainable community cultural development

Institute faculty, students, and affiliate members will conduct and disseminate policy-relevant research, and create and provide professional development opportunities to address the needs of current and future leaders in a broadly defined cultural sector.

Research activities will focus on three broad areas of activity: Community Arts, Cultural Heritage, and Cultural Policy. Within each area, activities of research interest groups will continue to reflect the original mission of ICAS: to promote and implement research, professional education, and community programs concerned with public participation, appreciation, and understanding of the arts. Each area of activity will include research, educational initiatives, and community engagement as determined by each area's respective research interest group members.

• Community Arts
• Cultural Policy
• Cultural Heritage

Participating Faculty from the UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts

Arts and Administration Program

Dr. Douglas E. Blandy
Director, Institute for Community Arts Studies
(community arts, special populations)

Dr. Gaylene Carpenter
Head, Arts and Administration
(festivals and events, leisure studies)

Dr. Patricia Dewey
(cultural policy, performing arts)

Dr. Lori Hager
(community arts)

Dr. Janice Rutherford
(museum studies)

Historic Preservation

Dr. Kingston Heath
Head, Historic Preservation