San Diego's North County Colleges and Mingei International Museum joined together for the first time in 2008 to bring students from Palomar College's Department of American Indian Studies, Cal State University San Marcos' Art Department and MiraCosta College's Art Department to develop academic and artistic reactions to the exhibition, NOMADIC LEGACY: Tent & Textiles of Central Asia and Iran.

The Theory behind the Idea

The objective; to develop a semester program based on the current exhibition at Mingei International Museum,  augmenting existing courses of study in the participating departments of each college represented.

The identified courses incorporated the exhibit topic into the curriculum, having students visit Mingei International’s North County Museum in Escondido to research their class projects. At the end of the semester, students from all three colleges participated together in a symposium and lecture at the Museum. Representatives from each college made a presentation followed by a guest lecture from the Curator of the exhibit.

 

The Benefits

Students enrolled in the departments of the three participating colleges benefited through their participation in an enriched curriculum and were exposed to a wonderful cultural resource in their community.

Professors participating in the program benefited from professional collaboration with other departments and other colleges.

The participating North County colleges benefited by developing a relationship with Mingei International Museum to utilize its exhibitions, venues, and staff resources which will enhance department programming and further the institutions’ goals in education and community outreach

Mingei International Museum benefited by developing a direct relationship with the participating colleges and a higher profile with academic institutions, as well as an increased number of college visitors.

The Funding

Funded by a grant from the North County Higher Education Alliance and Mingei International Museum