U.VA. ARTS PROGRAMS RECEIVE $150,000

	CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Oct. 31 -- The cultural and performing
arts programs at the University of Virginia have received a $150,000
boost.  The Bayly Art Museum, McIntire Department of Art, McIntire
Department of Music and drama department, all of which received a
portion of the funding, are planning new programs for the 1995-96
academic year.
	At the request of the president, the Office of the Provost
has designated $150,000 to establish the Performing Arts Enhancement
Program, a one-time experimental program to increase awareness and
student participation in cultural offerings.  Last spring, chairs of
the selected academic departments and the director of the art museum
submitted proposals for prospective new programs to a small review
committee, which decided how the money would be allocated.
	According to Steve Schnatterly, vice provost for graduate
studies, "The major emphasis of the program is on increasing the
impact of the arts and media on students and generally getting them
more involved."
	The Bayly Art Museum received $50,000 to make its artwork
more readily accessible through electronic media.  Anthony Hirschel,
director of the museum, said the money will be used "to make its
collection, including images, available on-line to U.Va., the
community and eventually the world."
	The museum will supplement the African-American collection
that religious studies professor Benjamin Ray made available on-line
last year.  The museum is also creating a homepage on the World Wide
Web that will showcase from its collection art from diverse cultures
and backgrounds, including Native-American, pre-Columbian and
European and American paintings.
	The McIntire Department of Art received $25,000 of the
funding and plans to create a Visiting Artists Program as an
extension of the Fayerweather Gallery offerings.  According to
gallery director Megan Marlatt, the art department's Fayerweather
Gallery has operated on a small budget in recent years.  However,
the additional finances will now enable the department to bring in
celebrated artists to give public lectures and to discuss their
artwork on exhibit.  Another facet of the program will include
making slides of exhibited artwork and videotaping guest lectures to
provide reference materials for the library.
	The McIntire Department of Music received $49,000 to enhance
its programs.  The majority of the funding will support visits by
guest artists in styles ranging from baroque to jazz.  Special
performances and workshops scheduled include those by baroque
violinist Jaap Schroeder, guest soloists joining the University
Singers and Orchestra in a performance of Hadyn's "Theresian Mass,"
alumnus Rob Levit's jazz group, and Ekko!, a new music ensemble
founded by alumnus Mike Rosensky.
	The funds will also stimulate the creation of computer music
programs that will encourage new compositional techniques, according
to Judith Shatin, music department chairperson.  In addition, the
music department will have for the first time an in-class
performance program by artist faculty to make live music an
essential component of the educational experience.
	"Students have the opportunity not only to hear professional
performances at close range, but to participate in devising
alternate interpretations and to shape music in the making," said
Shatin.
	The drama department is establishing a Guest Artists
Program.  Its $26,000 allotment will enable students to interact
with and to learn from experienced and renowned artists.  Among the
artists who have visited the University so far this year are actor
Jim Hillgartner, director Ann Bogart, Tony-award winner for costume
design in "Beauty and the Beast" and alumnus Anne Hould-Ward, and
Andrew Wade, internationally recognized voice coach.
	Bob Chapel, chairman of the drama department, said he
believes that the additional funding is a sign that the University
is interested in and concerned about the arts.
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October 30, 1995
	FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact Schnatterly at (804) 982-2362;
Marlatt at (804) 924-6127; Shatin at (804) 924-3052; and Chapel at
(804) 924-3327.