The University of Iowa (UI) is pleased to announce that Loyce Arthur, associate professor of design in the UI Department of Theatre Arts, has been selected as a Fulbright Scholar to Bali, Indonesia, for the 2024-25 academic year.
Arthur is among over 800 U.S. citizens who will conduct research and/or teach abroad for the 2024-25 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. Fulbright scholars engage in cutting-edge research and expand their professional networks, often continuing research collaborations started abroad and laying the groundwork for forging future partnerships between institutions. Fulbright alumni include 61 Nobel Prize laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize recipients, and 40 who have served as a head of state or government.
Arthur’s fellowship will be carried out in spring 2025 at the Indonesian Institute of Arts Denpasar in Bali, where she’ll teach costume design for theatre and study Balinese performance costumes.
“I have been intrigued for many years now by world mask and theater costume traditions," says Arthur. “Particularly in Bali, there is very little written about the exquisite costumes worn in traditional mask and dance performances. After a few short research and pleasure trips to Bali, I look forward to this longer-term opportunity to collaborate with students and faculty, to meet as many artisans as possible who create these works of art, and to assist Balinese scholars to bring knowledge of the artistry of these costumes to Western audiences.”
Additionally, Arthur sees this as an endeavor that aligns strongly with her ongoing research into the similarities between theater costumes and traditional mask costumes. “There are fascinating similarities between the two and the transformations that happen when a performer dons them both,” says Arthur.
After her return, Arthur hopes to develop a mask theater piece around the theme of climate change and to bring it to campus in 2025-26.
For faculty considering applying for a Fulbright, Arthur advises seizing the opportunity and sharing your expertise with the next generation.
“I think it is a chance to not only advance one’s work and research, but to mentor young faculty-- an invaluable benefit to our profession,” says Arthur. “Karen Wachsmuth and Russell Ganim [in International Programs] are terrific sources of information and support. Seek them out.”
University faculty members at all stages of their careers can apply to become Fulbright Scholars or Fulbright Specialists. Grant recipients can teach, do research abroad, or a combination of both for flexible time periods ranging from two to six weeks to a semester or an entire academic year.
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.