The Visual Stories Lab is home to the Smyth Chair in Arts and Engagement. This research chair was made possible through an endowment to the University of Victoria by Christiane and George Smyth. The Smyth Chair engages partners and communities in support of a strong research and learning program that focuses on the role of arts in education at large. Research and teaching emphasizes engagement with communities and arts from Salish nations and includes research with the Salish Weave Collection, the artists represented within it and associated cultural and education institutions.

Visit Salish Weave for more information.

As the inaugural Smyth Chair in Arts and Engagement I am very grateful to lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples for their kindness to share their territories with the university and in turn provide a place for our work through the Visual Stories Lab. We strive to be respectful and responsible guests through our university work and our personal lives on their lands and waters. We recognize the precious opportunities we have been given to become inspired, to do research, and to learn creatively and collaboratively with all our partners and their communities.

Dr. Andrea Walsh