The Theatre Library Association launches a call for papers for the forthcoming volume of Performing Arts Resources (PAR) devoted to the art of theatre exhibitions. The volume will be an inspirational “how to” for librarians, archivists, and theatre historians planning their own exhibitions by showcasing outstanding examples from the past and getting advice from the experts on how to design, create, fund, and promote these to the public. Deadline for submitting proposals is 15 May 2016.

Topics and guidelines

We will address the critical questions of how to make theatre performative in two dimensions; how to appeal to a range of audience(s) from practitioners to the general public; how to create a great exhibition with limited funds and no special training. Barbara Cohen-Stratyner, Director of Exhibitions at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, will write the lead article on her pioneering work in New York but we need many more essays to round out the volume. We invite contributors on these and other topics of your choice:

• Determining your exhibition theme or topic and telling a dynamic story
• Selecting and interpreting exhibition materials
• Display, conservation and preservation of physical elements—costumes, props, print, three-dimensional stage designs, audio and visual materials
• Clearing rights and permissions for displays
• Education by design—creating interactive displays, teaching tools, and other hands-on learning for all ages
• The hybrid environment—incorporating online components or organizing a virtual display
• Funding the project—sponsoring organizations, grants, partnerships
• Publicity, marketing, and public programming
• Exhibition publications
• Case studies of notable exhibitions, which might include notes and advice on  best practices

Please send a 500-word proposal as an e-doc attachment by 15 May 2016 to Dr. Marti LoMonaco, Editor, at mlomonaco@fairfield.edu. You may also attach photos to supplement your written proposal. I welcome e-mail queries in advance of your formal proposal. Accepted papers need to be completed by 30 September 2016.