Members of the Spencer’s staff frequently collaborates with University faculty members and graduate teaching assistants to develop special tours, projects, and programs tailored to University curricula. Such programs reinforce the potential for integration of the Spencer’s collection into the University’s academic goals. University programs range from student internships to Town & Gown Forums co-sponsored by the Hall Center for the Humanities. The principal liaison between the Spencer and the KU community, the Director of Academic Programs, is available to work with KU faculty and GTAs to draw upon the Museum’s resources, with the aim of developing scholarly or instructional projects and initiatives. The Teaching Gallery offers University faculty and students an opportunity to incorporate works from the Museum’s collection into undergraduate and graduate curricula. The Spencer’s Student Advisory Board serves as a link between the University and the Spencer and creates programs and events for KU students.
The Spencer Museum of Art welcomes faculty and students from across the KU curriculum to engage in a variety of opportunities for teaching, research, and collaboration.
The Teaching Gallery is a flexible, interactive, multipurpose teaching and study space. Advantages to our visitors include providing greater access to the Spencer’s growing collection, accommodating a range of teaching and learning styles, and serving our audiences more resourcefully.
KU students interested in art and the Spencer are encouraged to join the SMA Student Advisory Board. Board members develop and plan students programs and outreach initiatives, directly influence how the museum serves students, and make connections with the local art community.