Community Institute
of Romantic Studies
Dedicated to cultivating safe, inclusive spaces for scholarly exchange and creative practice that bridge disciplines and communities.
About CIRS
The Community Institute of Romantic Studies (CIRS) serves scholars, artists, and lifelong learners passionate about Romanticism's enduring influence. Our foundational community includes English Literature faculty, graduate students, independent scholars, international researchers specializing in British and European Romanticism, and we actively welcome interdisciplinary voices from art history, musicology, philosophy, environmental humanities, and beyond. We embrace contemporary artists, writers, creative practitioners who draw inspiration from Romantic traditions, and the broader public seeking meaningful intellectual engagement with this transformative period in history.
CIRS addresses critical challenges facing our community: academic isolation due to declining departmental support, limited conference access caused by rising costs and funding cuts, barriers to interdisciplinary collaboration, and the need for mentorship and professional development in an increasingly challenging academic landscape. Through our programming—including seminars, conferences, residencies, and community outreach—we create vital connections across disciplines, career levels, and geographic boundaries. Whether you're a tenured professor, emerging scholar, independent researcher, practicing artist, or a curious learner, CIRS provides the resources, community, and collaborative opportunities essential for sustaining and advancing the study and appreciation of Romanticism in all its forms.
