Mission

The Arts Research Center (ARC) facilitates the intellectual and artistic engagement of faculty and students while providing opportunities to expand research across disciplines. We support the limitless creativity of the artists, designers and performers in our school as their work embodies VCU’s Strategic Research Priorities Plan in multifaceted ways. Our tangible support takes the form of advocacy, training and mentorship, building community, Research Labs, and other incentives. Through these and other programs, the Center promotes and encourages curiosity, investigation, and collaboration in an environment where unique and diverse perspectives can emerge and flourish.

Arts Research Labs

Interdisciplinary efforts towards solving complex problems are becoming more and more critical, especially for scientific discovery and translational research, and require collaborative and integrated research teams. In response to this need, Arts Research Labs consist of teams of faculty and students, and serve as a strategy to increase collaboration, research output, and external grant applications. Additionally, the Labs will seed research expertise and experience across the School, as during and following their terms Lab leaders will carry their knowledge forward and serve as resources for other faculty and students. Labs promote substantive discourse around their focus area both within the university and more broadly across related fields. Additionally, the labs support experiential student learning opportunities and cultivate meaningful relationships with local communities and beyond.

Faculty interested in joining or proposing an Arts Research Lab should complete the interest form. Questions can be directed to artsresearch@vcu.edu.

 

Spring 2026 Research Labs Meeting Schedule


Arts and Sustainability
Lab Leader: Kristin Carleton

Friday, Jan 30 (1 pm Rm. 201 Pollak)
Friday, March 27 (1 pm Rm. 201 Pollak)
Friday, May 8 (1 pm Rm. 201 Pollak)

Arts and Health
Lab Leader: Sara Wilson McKay

Friday, Jan 30 (12pm Rm. 201 Pollak)
Friday, March 27 (12pm Rm. 201 Pollak)
Friday, May 8 (12pm Rm. 201 Pollak)

Funding Opportunities for Faculty

The Arts Research Center team supports faculty research development through a variety of initiatives, including School and University level opportunities and external funding submissions. Full-time faculty members interested in grant-seeking and/or project development can get started below. To discuss funding opportunities email artsresearch@vcu.edu to set up an appointment with our staff. We look forward to learning more about your work, researching opportunities for you, and supporting your grant submissions. Prior to applying for any grants, please notify us of your intent to apply by filling out the form below.

VCUarts Uncharted Podcast

Discover the visionary research and creative practices of VCUarts faculty in this engaging 20-minute podcast series. Hosted by Professor Aaron Anderson, Ph.D., each episode features conversations with a faculty member and a guest that illuminate the choices we make as artists, designers and educators, and the transformative impact of the arts on individuals and communities.
VCUarts Uncharted Podcast Cover