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University News
Fine Arts Center Joins Major University Presenters National Consortium
The UMass Amherst Fine Arts Center has become the 22nd member of Major University Presenters (MUP), a national consortium of performing arts centers and programs affiliated with leading research universities.
Founded in 2002 by the University of Illinois, University of Michigan and Arizona State University, the MUP consortium includes leading arts presenters at major research colleges and universities across the country that strive to strengthen each other’s capacities to elevate lives through the power of the arts.
The FAC, which was selected by its peer organizations in the consortium, now joins fellow New England presenters ArtsEmerson of Emerson College and the Hopkins Center of Dartmouth College.
“The Fine Arts Center is honored to join Major University Presenters, a consortium that reflects our deep commitment to championing the transformative power of the arts in higher education and society,” says Jamilla Deria, director of the FAC. “As we approach our 50th anniversary season, this membership strengthens our ability to collaborate with peer institutions, amplify diverse voices, and create meaningful connections between artists, students and communities. We look forward to engaging in this dynamic network to further our mission of fostering creativity, inclusion and artistic excellence.”
From its inception, MUP has facilitated opportunities for its member organizations to share information for benchmarking and improving programs, participate in high-value collaborative opportunities, increase program recognition at local and national levels, engage in national research activities and have a positive, long-term effect on the performing arts presenting field.
The consortium supports leadership teams and staff in sharing challenges and successes, encompassing entire organizations to encourage collaboration among directors in marketing, development, finance and production. It also explores field-wide initiatives, such as creating a co-commissioning fund and mentorship programs for emerging administrators.