In an increasingly visual world, there is a need for professionals trained in all aspects of developing, preserving, and advocating for the scholarly life cycle of cultural heritage resources. The VRA Regional Workshop Program offers funding to support localized educational and professional development opportunities in topics related to the management of and instruction in visual culture.

With this funding, host institutions will offer an affordable, professionally executed workshop without the burden of developing it from within, and provide valuable programming to not only their immediate constituents, but to their broader region. The VRA Regional Workshop Program was started in 2016, and due to the generous support of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, allows the VRA to more fully promote scholarship, research, education, and outreach in the fields of visual resources and image management.

This opportunity is open to VRA Chapters, VRA affiliates, related information management organizations, museums, libraries, and academic institutions. For a reasonable registration fee, the workshops will provide an immersive experience on a single topic, framed in a manner that is relevant to digital asset management professionals, users of cultural heritage information, and the larger information community.

For questions about the VRA Regional Workshop Program, please contact the Regional Workshop Implementation Team at workshops@vraweb.org.

The VRA Regional Workshop Implementation Team works collaboratively to host workshops each year, report on each, and seek grant funding for the coming year. The Workshop Coordinator and Workshop Liaisons will serve for three years, with the Senior Workshop Liaison moving up to take the Workshop Coordinator position, the Junior Workshop Liaison moving up to take the Senior Workshop Liaison, and the Workshop Coordinator cycling off the team.

Workshop Coordinator: Michelle Schierburg

Sr. Workshop Liaison: Eva Soos

Jr. Workshop Liaison: Caroline Philippone

VRA Board Liaison: Brian Shelburne

Position Descriptions

Workshop Coordinator

Takes overall responsibility for the VRA Regional Workshop Implementation Team, including oversight of the work of the workshop liaisons. Manages host site selection process, curriculum development, and instructor recruitment. Takes lead on reporting to granting organizations and grant applications (such as the Kress grant).

Workshop Liaisons (Senior + Junior)

Responsible for developing and implementing the workshop timeline, including managing registration in conjunction with the VRA Treasurer; working with local hosts to manage publicity on a national and local level as well as facilitating classroom arrangements and catering; communicating with the instructor regarding curriculum, travel + accommodations, and reimbursement procedures, as well as facilitating post workshop evaluations.

VRA Board Liaison

Responsible for communications between the VRA Regional Workshop Implementation Team and the VRA Board. Participates in Implementation Team meetings as necessary or advisable. In the event of the resignation of the Workshop Coordinator, the VRA Liaison will take the lead on managing the Implementation Team until a suitable replacement is found.

Contact

Please contact the Regional Workshop Implementation Team at workshops@vraweb.org. To inquire about an open position, please send resume or CV and letter of interest.

A call for workshop hosts will go out again in 2024. Please check back here, or keep an eye on the VRA-L for updated information.

VRA Regional Workshop Program Host Site Application FAQ

Who can apply?

The opportunity to host a VRA Regional Workshop is open to the broader information and cultural heritage community, particularly to organizations and institutions with an interest in and commitment to the management and dissemination of cultural heritage information. Successful applications may come from organizations, visual resource centers, libraries, library and information science programs, and museums, to name a few. If you have further questions about whether your site would be a good fit to host a workshop, please contact the VRA Regional Workshop Implementation Team at workshops@vraweb.org.

What facilities are necessary to host a VRA Regional Workshop?

We will work with each hosting site to confirm requirements based on each unique workshop and the instructor's needs to facilitate effectively. Generally, access to a classroom seating 30-50 is required. This classroom should be equipped with standard A/V equipment, including a projector and internet access. Catering services for coffee breaks are also essential, as are on-site or nearby dining options for lunch, and parking facilities available to attendees.

What is the registration fee, and why do the VRA Regional Workshops have them?

The registration fee for an in-person VRA Regional Workshop will be $125 for the 2024 Workshop season. This fee allows the VRA to offer professional programming at a very reasonable cost, while covering the costs to host the workshop. Charging a reasonable fee ensures the longevity of the workshop program.

Can everyone at the host institution attend the workshop for free?

Unfortunately, this is not possible. The benefit of hosting a workshop is to provide an affordable and relevant opportunity to the host site and to the region with the bulk of the details managed by and all of expenses paid for by the VRA. In return, the VRA hopes to break even on workshop expenses. To allow free registration for all members of a host institution may mean that the bulk of seats are taken up by those who otherwise would not have been interested in attending if it required a fee.

However, the VRA does allow the local host (point person for the workshop) to attend for free, as well as $250 for the local host to select either two free registrants or to provide “scholarships” so that several people can attend at a reduced rate (for example, 5 people attending the workshop for $75 instead of the customary $125.) In addition, the local host can elect to forgo their $250 honorarium to provide additional full or partial scholarships to the attendees of their choice.

What are the expectations of the local hosts?

The local hosts are responsible for securing workshop facilities and coffee break catering; assisting the VRA Regional Workshop Program in developing and implementing a very robust publicity plan; providing information about travel, accommodations, and day-of-workshop instructions; providing a welcome on the day of the program; and ensuring that the instructor knows how to reach the site and is introduced to the classroom facilities in advance of the workshop. The local hosts will also work closely with the Regional Workshop Implementation Team and the workshop instructor to develop a curriculum that to the best of our ability suits the needs of both the host site and a broader regional audience.

Who instructs the workshops?

The VRA Regional Workshop Program has a highly experienced roster of professionals instructing in their areas of expertise. Should your site be selected to host a workshop, we will work with you to match you with an instructor and to facilitate the development of an engaging curriculum.

What happens if the enrollment is low or an instructor needs to cancel due to illness or unforeseen circumstances?

While every effort will be made to hold the Regional Workshop as scheduled, there are times when adjustments must be made. This may include moving the workshop online, rescheduling the workshop, or in rare cases, canceling the workshop altogether. We will work closely with local hosts if something arises to best accommodate each situation.

If you have any additional questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Regional Workshop Implementation Team at workshops@vraweb.org