NASHVILLE, Tenn. Vanderbilt University is pledging $2 million for the National Museum of African-American Music, which is sched- uled to open a 56,000-square-foot facility in downtown Nashville early next year. University officials said the gift includes in-kind contributions and direct financial support, and will help expand the museum’s archives, contribute to innovative programming, support the completion of the facility and more.

Vanderbilt Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos said the partnership will help build global awareness of the impact of African-American composers, performers and supporters.

The partnership will include collaboration with the university’s Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries to offer their collection of books, scores, recordings and other materials for loan, display and study at the museum. Vanderbilt and the museum also will team up for a speaker series after the facility opens.