Umeå Arts Campus project manager appointed

20 August 2018

At the end of 2017, the Vice-Chancellor initiated an investigation into how to organise Umeå Arts Campus. This spring, the external investigator, Peter Honeth, presented a proposal for a new organisation. The Vice-Chancellor has now appointed a project manager to lead and coordinate the process of change – Professor Mikael Wiberg, Department of Informatics. The assignment includes proposing a project plan, and setting up, finding support for and preparing the implementation of the changes that take effect on 1 January 2020.

Umeå Arts Campus

Photo: Mostphotos/Monica Brodin

In April 2018, the investigator Peter Honeth submitted a proposal to the University Management about a new organisation for Umeå Arts Campus. The core of the proposal suggested tying Umeå School of Architecture, Umeå Institute of Design, Umeå Academy of Fine Arts, Bildmuseet and the Department of Creative Studies closely together in the organisation. The purpose is to maintain and develop high quality results within these organisations, develop a distinctive artistic profile, and strengthen the visibility and impact of our arts within the University, nationally and internationally.

On 8 June, the University Board expressed their support for a unified organisation. In this process, a unanimous recruitment committee, formed by representatives from the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Science and Technology and led by the Vice-Chancellor, has now decided to appoint Professor Mikael Wiberg at the Department of Informatics to the post as project manager for Umeå Arts Campus.

"Mikael Wiberg is highly qualified and suitable for the task, and we are pleased to have such an experienced and knowledgeable person to lead the project," says Vice-Chancellor Hans Adolfsson.

Mikael Wiberg, Professor in informatics.

Photo: Mattias Pettersson

The project managing role involves drafting a proposal for a project plan covering the organisation and implementation work based upon Peter Honeth's proposal as well as results of the referral. The project manager should subsequently lead and coordinate the work to perform in-depth analyses of Peter Honeth's proposal and the referral results. The project manager is also to prepare and communicate proposals that cause organisational changes with basis in the investigation, as well as prepare the implementation of the changes effective of 1 January 2020. The work also involves conducting market research, and risk and impact assessments in close cooperation with concerned parties in the organisation.

"Several units and departments at Umeå Arts Campus are already very well-established and have a strong international reputation. Increased integration, a more efficient organisation and closer collaborations bring good opportunities to further strengthen research and education focusing on the arts at Umeå University," says Mikael Wiberg, Professor at the Department of Informatics, and newly appointed project manager of Umeå Arts Campus.

Mikael Wiberg has previously acted as pro dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, head of the Department of Informatics and head of research at Umeå Institute of Design. Mikael Wiberg will hold the post as project manager from 20 August 2018 until 31 December 2019.

Read more about Peter Honeth's proposal

For more information, please contact:

Mikael Wiberg,
Professor and project manager of Umeå Arts Campus, Umeå University
Mobile: +46 70-662 10 70

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