Ohio State Marion has launched the Marion Futures Lab, a new community project supported by a $49,480 Community Engagement seed grant from the Global Arts + Humanities | Cross-Disciplinary Research Exchange and the Office of Engagement in the College of Arts and Science at Ohio State.
According to Ohio State Marion Professor of Psychology Dr. Nikole Patson, who leads the project, the lab will run for one year and bring together faculty, students, artists, and community members to explore how shared memories and cultural traditions shape Marion’s future. She said the project will create public events, performances, exhibitions, and a digital Marion Memories Atlas.
Dr. Patson describes the Marion Futures Lab as a collaborative space where memory, creativity, and civic imagination come together. She explains that it is not a traditional research project, but a place where community members work as partners and co‑authors. She said the lab focuses on how stories move across generations and how those stories can help Marion imagine a more inclusive and hopeful future.
Dr. Patson said the lab is designed to support many groups in the community.
“Community members will have their stories heard and preserved. Young people will have opportunities to think about their place in Marion’s past and future. Students at Ohio State Marion will gain hands‑on experience in research and creative work,” said Patson. She added that the public will benefit from performances, exhibitions, and digital resources that share Marion’s stories widely.
Dr. Patson emphasized that the seed grant makes it possible to turn the Marion Futures Lab from an idea into a full project. She said, “the funding supports student researchers, compensates community members and artists, and covers the costs of running inclusive and welcoming workshops.” The grant also allows the team to collect early data and show the project’s impact, which she noted will help secure future support.
According to Dr. Patson, the Marion Futures Lab brings together a wide range of people, including faculty, staff, students, community members, local organizations, and prospective students. She said the Lab is intentionally intergenerational and interdisciplinary.
Dr. Patson said, “each member of the project team contributes in a different way. Faculty bring expertise in their fields and experience in community‑engaged scholarship. Artists help turn memories into visual and material art. Undergraduate students assist with facilitation, documentation, analysis, and sharing the project’s results.” Patson added that The Marion Women’s Club will serve as a key community partner and provide local knowledge and lived experience.
Dr. Patson leads the project and oversees design, evaluation, student mentorship, and community workshops. She noted that Dr. Margaret Sumner coordinates archival work and the partnership with the Marion Women’s Club. Dr. Anna Willow supports youth‑focused and future‑oriented workshops. Dr. Megan Jordan leads the creation of textile and visual art based on community stories. Dr. Jennifer Schlueter guides the development of community‑based performance and storytelling. Undergraduate students assist with research and public engagement.
Dr. Patson said, “the Marion Futures Lab builds on years of partnership between Ohio State Marion and the Marion community, especially ongoing work with the Marion Women’s Club.” She added that the project aligns with the university’s investment in the new Downtown Marion Engagement Hub, which will provide a physical home for the lab and help sustain the project beyond the grant period.