THE GEORGE A. ROMERO HORROR STUDIES CENTER

The University of Pittsburgh and George A. Romero Foundation have partnered to create the George A. Romero Horror Studies Center. The Center will be a multidisciplinary academic center dedicated solely to horror studies. The Horror Studies Center would contribute to the horror community in many significant ways, notably in research, teaching, and community engagement:

RESEARCH

Research would be stimulated by the Center’s activities, especially in conjunction with the George A, Romero Collection housed within the University’s Library System. The fact that the Collection and the Center both are firsts of their kind will attract top faculty and graduate students with connections across many departments and programs. Conference and publication opportunities would be plentiful, as well as international collaboration efforts. Undergraduate research opportunities would also stem from the need to process the George A. Romero Collection and further acquisitions in horror studies, and assist in digitizing and publishing findings from both. The University Library’s firmly stated commitment to growing the Collection beyond Romero promises that the University of Pittsburgh will become the world’s foundational site for horror studies research across multiple disciplines, historical eras, and countries of origin.

TEACHING

The Center would promote the use of the Collection as a teaching tool in undergraduate and graduate courses that address topics such as the horror film, independent film, screenwriting, film analysis, film history, film production, and horror across the arts and sciences. Independent research could then be presented at events sponsored by the Foundation and Center and revised for publication. The Center would also provide a hub for the long-standing interest among undergraduate students of producing low-budget horror films by offering workshops with visiting filmmakers and developing the University of Pittsburgh's connections with horror-associated production companies for possible internship and post-graduation employment opportunities. Given the strong student interest in horror studies, the Center would also spearhead curricular initiatives such as a major or minor in horror studies.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The nature of horror as a popular genre with a strong and dedicated following worldwide, coupled with the importance of Romero’s legacy for the genre, opens up limitless possibilities for collaborative projects with organizations across the city, the country, and the world. Such collaborations could include film festivals, museum exhibitions, oral history projects, internships, and community-based events programming. Both the George A. Romero Foundation and the University of Pittsburgh are excited to have a Center that could function as the beating heart of these initiatives, drawing a community of scholars, practitioners, students, and fans together in an unprecedented way.

THE HORROR STUDIES WORKING GROUP

The Horror Studies Working Group (HSWG) is here to assert that horror matters, and we want to provide as many opportunities as we can for the study and enjoyment of horror. The HSWG is made up of four collaborating central divisions that, along with working independently, come together to make sure we reach our collective goals.

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The George A. Romero Foundation (The GARF) is a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to honoring George’s life, art, and cultural impact by restoring and preserving his portfolio and legacy, and supporting the dreams and imaginations of independent filmmakers, artists, and writers inspired by George.