The Marion Futures Lab is a community-engaged initiative led by Dr. Nikole Patson, professor of psychology at Ohio State Marion. Supported by a $49,480 Community Engagement Seed Grant, the project brings together faculty, students, artists, and community members to explore how Marion's shared memories, cultural traditions, and community stories can help shape a more inclusive and vibrant future. Through public events, creative workshops, exhibitions, performances, and the development of a digital Marion Memories Atlas, the lab creates opportunities for residents to preserve local history while imagining what comes next for the community.
Designed as a collaborative space for civic engagement and creativity, the Marion Futures Lab provides hands-on research and creative experiences for Ohio State Marion students while amplifying the voices and experiences of Marion area residents. The project emphasizes storytelling, community partnership, and intergenerational participation as tools for strengthening connections across Marion.
