Niagara College and Willowbank School of Restoration Arts have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore opportunities to work together.

The college and Willowbank hope to collaborate and “explore mutually beneficial opportunities” that might range from joint research projects to the creation of academic connections between the organizations.

College president Sean Kennedy and vice-president academic Fiona Allan met last week with college management and members of the Willowbank board, including chair Patrick Little and vice-chair John Scott, outside the Willowbank Estate House to sign the agreement.

“Niagara College is very pleased to partner with Willowbank School of Restoration Arts, a local and highly specialized college, to share expertise and create new opportunities that will benefit students from both our institutions,” Kennedy said.

Willowbank is globally recognized for its expertise in heritage conservation and adaptive reuse of existing buildings.

Its expert faculty from around the world train graduates for careers in heritage restoration and conservation.

“We are excited to start working with Niagara College to explore areas that will lead to enhanced learning experiences and we appreciate the openness that both institutions have demonstrated” in negotiating the agreement, said Little.