Benefits for Both: Connecting Textile and Clothing Collections with Theater and Costume Makers

In the current economic climate, many university collections and museums are asked to justify their continued existence. Demonstrating that they are meeting the home institution\u27s tripartite mission of research, teaching, and service is considered essential. Textiles and clothing collections (TCCs) are often utilized by researchers and in classrooms focusing on fashion design or historic dress within the apparel field. However, costume designers have equal need for TCCs. In addition to visual and textual sources, costume designers examine historical artifacts to gain a deeper understanding of a period or place. While Welters and Ordonez (2011) understood this, recommending outreach to theater departments in their monograph about academic TCCs, the connection between TCCs and theater makers is tenuous at best. The purpose of this presentation is to offer suggestions to TCCs related to theater makers in order to advance their mission and to increase their visibility within the university and the community