SETTING THE STAGE
HOW COLLABORATION WITH THE MUSEUM OF THE BIBLE POINTS TO THE FUTURE OF INDIANA WESLEYAN PARTNERSHIPS
This fall, Indiana Wesleyan University began a partnership with The Museum of the Bible to serve as the exclusive academic sponsor of the museum’s World Stage Theater and to participate in future strategic projects involving both institutions. Now one of the largest faith-based organizations in the country, The Museum of the Bible began in 2010 before fully opening its current Washington, D.C. location in 2017. Over the past several years, the museum has welcomed over two million visitors and hosted countless exhibits and events with official recognition and support from the Vatican and Israel, creating an internationally known and respected identity rooted in the gospel message.
Indiana Wesleyan and the Museum of the Bible have shared connections for several years, most notably through Dr. Jerry Pattengale, an Indiana Wesleyan professor and the museum’s Executive Director of Education Initiatives. This new partnership, however, officially took shape this summer when Indiana Wesleyan's Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer Tod Dalberg initiated contact with the museum, following the University's collaboration on the multimedia experience “All Creation Sings” through its Chorale program. Seeing this as the perfect opportunity to foster a long-term relationship between the two organizations, Dalberg opened discussions with them regarding ways the University could partner with them to combine their resources to further spread the gospel.
“As we seek to engage outside partners who can help enhance and bolster the University’s perception and credibility in the greater Christian and higher ed spheres, Museum of the Bible will serve as a vital touchpoint,” Dalberg shared. “Our goal has been to identify strategic partners who are strong missional fits for Indiana Wesleyan while allowing our faculty, students, and alumni the opportunity to engage with this prestigious institute.”
Through this new partnership, Indiana Wesleyan will sponsor more than 150 events hosted at the museum’s World Stage Theater ranging from well-known authors and speakers to worship artists like Big Daddy Weave, the Gettys, and Sandra McCracken. With 8,000 total square feet encompassing 472 seats and 17 floor-to-ceiling projectors, the World Stage Theater is an exceptional and impressive venue. This partnership will also allow for academic and curatorial collaboration on a variety of mission-aligned projects, allowing Indiana Wesleyan faculty and students to aid the museum in research and internship opportunities involving key assets and artifacts.
“We are so excited to welcome Indiana Wesleyan as our exclusive academic industry partner for our World Stage Theater,” Museum of the Bible CEO Dr. Carlos Campo shared, while announcing the partnership. “Our museum is constantly looking for exceptional organizations in their fields to help provide visitors with the best interactive and curated experiences possible. We believe an alliance with Indiana Wesleyan will expand the museum’s reach as it is one of the largest faith-based institutions in the country, with strong academic programs and a rich Christian history.”
Indiana Wesleyan President Dr. Jon Kulaga shared similar sentiments: “We are excited and grateful to partner with Museum of the Bible. This collaboration emphasizes our shared belief in the importance of scripture in the daily lives of our university community. This strategic alliance provides formational opportunities for our students and alumni.”
As part of this newly expanded partnership between Indiana Wesleyan and The Museum of the Bible, the Indiana Wesleyan Chorale will once again join the museum on a project, performing as part of a Christmas concert this winter. The Chorale will give a traditional “Lessons and Carols” performance this December. “It’s going to take help to make it a reality,” Indiana Wesleyan Chorale Director Davy Chinn noted, “but this performance is a great opportunity for us to show off the musical strength of our university and extend Indiana Wesleyan’s impact once more.”
This partnership will enable Indiana Wesleyan to make an unprecedented impact on the east coast, engaging and reaching individuals of all ages through collaborative efforts with Museum of the Bible. Additionally, it reinforces Indiana Wesleyan’s identity as a national university. By developing and launching new strategic partnerships—of which the museum is just one exciting example—Indiana Wesleyan will continue to build a growing network of partners with shared theological values, working together to advance the Kingdom of God across all nations and peoples.
“We are so excited to welcome Indiana Wesleyan University as our exclusive academic industry partner for our world stage theater.”
DR. CARLOS CAMPO The Museum of the Bible CEO