Wichita State University's Royce Smith, associate professor of contemporary/global art history and director of the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries, has been named a 2015 Fulbright Scholar. This prestigious award supports Smith's groundbreaking curatorial work in Asuncion, Paraguay, as he and a team of organizers prepare to launch the first Asuncion Biennale in October.

Operating in more than 155 countries, the Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious awards programs in the world, distributing competitive merit-based grants for international educational exchange for students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists and artists. Smith is the first recipient of the honor in the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries, and at least the ninth Fulbright Scholar from Wichita State since 1996.

Support from the Fulbright award will allow Smith to realize the Asuncion Biennial, organizing numerous art projects, symposia, film screenings and other cultural activities. It is a major undertaking that builds on work Smith has undertaken in Asuncion since 2011.

Paraguay’s Ministries of Education, Culture and Tourism declared Smith’s inaugural art biennial an event of national interest, as it will change the landscape of contemporary art in South America and beyond. The theme is “Grito de Libertad” (A Cry of Liberty), an exhibition that will showcase 15 Paraguayan artists and 45 international artists from the Americas.

Smith has been successful in establishing a not-for-profit foundation in support of the event, promoting dialogue with arts professionals, curators, political leaders and Paraguayan citizens, and enhancing the visibility of artistic practices in Paraguay and the Americas. For his efforts, Smith was awarded the status of “Ciudadano Ilustre de Asuncion” (Illustrious Citizen of Asuncion) by the Municipality of Asuncion in 2014.

Under Smith’s direction, the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries has dedicated its curriculum to contemporary art and design, interdisciplinary, international involvement, community engagement, innovation and applied learning.

“There is so much creative talent and innovative thinking in our school, at WSU, and in Wichita,” Smith said. “I hope this award will allow me to bring the WSU story of innovation and community engagement to the world stage and help reinforce that creativity is the foundation for all great thinking and doing. I know that this award will help to make me a better teacher, researcher and leader, and I’m excited about the positive impact it will have on our school and its epic momentum.”

Smith’s leadership in the curation, scholarship and organization of the Asuncion Biennale – now backed by a Fulbright award – elevates the reputation of the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries and secures its position as a robust and recognized contributor to the international contemporary art world.