Missouri State University Exhibit Wins 2024 Miguel Covarrubias Award
Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico — November 22, 2024 — Missouri State University (MSU) proudly announces that its groundbreaking exhibition "Ídolos, Persistencias y Resistencias" has been honored with the prestigious Miguel Covarrubias Award from the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH) in Mexico. The award, given on September 3, recognizes outstanding achievements in museum studies and cultural research.
Curated by a dynamic team of MSU professors, students, and international scholars, the exhibit uniquely showcases Mesoamerican heritage through a combination of historical artifacts and cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technology. Situated at the Regional Museum of the National Institute for Anthropology and History’s Palacio Canton, the exhibit has received global acclaim since its launch in February 2023, distinguishing itself among over 70 international museum projects.
Dr. John Chuchiak, chief curator and distinguished professor of history at MSU, emphasized the significance of this recognition, stating, "This award will cement MSU’s reputation as a leader in international museum curation and interdisciplinary scholarship."
The exhibition was a collaborative effort between Chuchiak and Dr. Antonio Rodríguez Alcalá from Universidad Anáhuac Mayab in Mérida, reflecting a long-standing partnership focused on the history and culture of the Maya and Colonial eras. Dr. Billie Follensbee, MSU’s art historical director and museum studies program coordinator, played a crucial role in engaging students for research and cataloging, praising their contributions to the project.
Leading the VR design team was MSU graduate student Hans Erickson, creating an interactive experience for visitors. The collective efforts of participating students have added depth and insight to the exhibition, making it a notable success in cultural preservation and scholarship.
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