Penn State Institute for the Arts and Humanities

About the Institute

Vision

The Institute’s administrative structure under the aegis of the College of the Liberal Arts and the College of Arts and Architecture opens up important lines of communication and cooperation between the IAH and the Colleges, enabling it to coordinate strategic planning and move forward with jointly-sponsored initiatives. The Institute can work effectively to heighten the visibility of the arts and humanities at Penn State on both the national and international scene. It also recognizes the importance of public outreach by serving the needs and interests of local and regional communities in central Pennsylvania through programs of civic and educational outreach. Penn State's commitment to occupy a place of distinction among the best public research universities must rely in part on the IAH achieving recognized excellence and a national and international presence in the "flagship" areas of the arts and humanities. The Institute can contribute significantly to this goal by supporting cutting-edge, interdisciplinary work and by generating programming not easily accomplished within traditional disciplinary boundaries.

The Institute has a long tradition of including and supporting members of underrepresented groups in its programming and funding competitions. Commitment to facilitating a greater understanding of and appreciation for all peoples and cultures guides the day-to-day activities as well as the overall mission of the Institute. It is dedicated to providing an inclusive, welcoming environment for its staff and constituents and strives to create a climate that accepts, embraces, respects, and encourages what is unique and different in the University’s faculty, student body, staff, and in the community at large.