UA brings initiative to increase outdoor art on campus
Saba Naseem
Issue date: 2/23/09 Section: News
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Today, schools are more concerned with teaching literacy, math and science, but what is commonly overlooked is the impact of art in a child's education.
This year, however, under a new initiative by UA Chancellor G. David Gearhart, the university will work to increase the amount of art on display in outdoor areas throughout campus.
"It is important to recognize and acknowledge the importance of art," said Steve Voorhies, manager of University Relations.
The art is expected to take a variety of forms, including sculptures, murals, paintings, ceramics, mosaics, photography, fiber works, mixed media and architectural site elements.
"Public art defines a sense of place, allows audiences to experience and consider new ideas and can enhance the learning opportunities at the university," Gearhart said in a press release. "A public art program can express the value of art and education to the campus community, regardless of one's academic discipline.
"This is a tough time economically for everyone, but this initiative sends a clear message that we cannot allow difficult economic times to curtail our commitment to the arts in general," he said.
The chancellor will appoint a committee composed of students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members to oversee this project. The committee will advise the chancellor on decisions regarding public art on campus. They will also be "responsible for developing criteria for the collection of art, identifying the concepts for a set of public art initiatives, establishing a process for commissioning works and making recommendations for a fundraising program," according to the press release.
"We hope to have both local community art and student art. In the future we may be commissioning works of art with donated funds," Voorhies said.
Students said they believe this to be a great idea and they thought this would enrich the university campus.
"I think it's always important to be surrounded by art. It helps stimulate the mind and it activates our imaginations," said Courtney Cagle, a freshman biology major. "Also, with this initiative, we will be subject to art more often, and hopefully, will be able to appreciate the beauty of art."
The idea of art on campus is not new to the university. One of the most recognizable landmarks on campus is the Peace Fountain, designed by Fay Jones. The university wants to expand this idea to fulfill its role as a cultural resource to the community.
Voorhies said the initiative is underway and that they hope to have the process of committee appointments and procedures for the artwork completed by spring.
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