Northwest Indiana is remarkable in its cultural history, complexity, and the radical changes it has experienced since its industrial growth began with the nation's huge demands for oil, steel, and other industrial products. Its cultures are dramatic in their diversity and acute in their need for a communal forum for cultural expression, documentation, and learning. From the industrial behemoths of Hammond, Whiting, East Chicago, and Gary to the strip malls of Merillville to the dunelands of Porter county to the farms in Kouts, the cultural story of Northwest Indiana is visible in the architecture, the land, the documents and photographs, the arts, and even in the body language of its inhabitants. While the arts and humanities have traditionally focused specifically on cultural exploration, many other disciplines are touched by the need to contribute to a greater understanding of our cultural selves. Beyond the obvious role of culture in constructing each person's sense of self, many fundamental ethical, economic, biologic, and social aspects of our lives are created through our cultural circumstances.
Cultural discrimination has serious implications regarding the economic health of a community.
Even in our limited geographic location, various cultural and ethical beliefs and practices influence individuals' personal health, life-span, rates of victimization, access to education, democratic participation, and overall social welfare. Discovering, learning and engaging a community regarding these issues is the interdisciplinary job of a whole university working in harmony with its population. Through the collaborative efforts of our academic programs working with the community, IUN can become a cultural center that strengthens the health and well-being of our community as well as nourishing its appreciation and participation in cultural practices. The Center would have both programmatic and co-curricular focus and virtual and physical dimensions. The programmatic component of the Center would, of course, be first and foremost academic.