ARTS SERIES COULD FOSTER INTEREST IN RIVER CAMPUS, OFFICIAL SAYS

A series of performing and fine arts events could foster public interest in the River Campus development, a Southeast Missouri State University official said Thursday.

Dr. Marc Strauss, associate dean for the River Campus, said it is important to schedule concerts and other events for the 2000-2001 academic year that can be held on the main campus and at the riverfront campus.

Strauss, who was recently named to head up academic efforts at the school for the visual and performing arts, told the River Campus Board of Managers that arts programming can't be put on hold while the riverfront campus is developed.

Renovation of the former Catholic seminary and new construction at the River Campus is in the planning stages. It could be 3 1/2 years before the project is completed, Strauss said.

In the meantime, the arts need to be encouraged, he said.

Strauss said the university and arts supporters might establish a subscription series for the coming school year. He said an arts series should include events that focus on dance, theater, music, and the visual arts.

Strauss suggested the Board of Managers might want to sponsor some of the events. For the time being, events at the River Campus probably will have to be held outdoors, he said.

Strauss said he wants to schedule more and more events at the River Campus as the project continues to take shape.

It's important, he said, to schedule a wide variety of cultural events that appeal to different segments of the public.

One possibility is a jazz series. Strauss said it could be called "Jazz on the Banks" in reference to the River Campus site and possible bank sponsorship.

Strauss predicted the university will have hired a new museum director by this fall. The director will play an important role in development of the River Campus museum, he said.

River Campus board member Jerry Ford said the museum needs to include some of the artifacts and history of the region.