Ross Art Museum: Protecting Vital Humanities Resources During COVID-19

FAIN: PB-275364-20

Ohio Wesleyan University (Delaware, OH 43015-2333)
Erin Fletcher (Project Director: May 2020 to January 2023)

Three staff members and necessary materials for the conservation of works of art prioritized in a Preservation Plan for safe exhibition and sharing with audiences upon re-opening, as well as to continue to improve the metadata of digital collections so that audiences can virtually have expanded access to online resources. 

The Richard M. Ross Art Museum at Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) seeks funding to support staff whose jobs are at risk due to COVID-19 through a preventative conservation project on our physical collection and completion of metadata on our digital collection. Although the museum has historically received financial support through OWU, the Ross qualifies as an independent unit: its programming and administration is distinct; it employs its own staff, manages its own budget, and has a separate advisory board with responsibility for oversight and management. In the wake of the devastating economic impact of COVID-19 on institutions of higher education, the university has charged the museum with becoming fully self-sufficient—a 40% cut to our operating budget. This cut will decimate the museum’s already small staff. A NEH CARES grant will allow the museum to protect vital resources—its staff and collection—while developing a thoughtful plan for recovery.