Arts initiatives and events around the University have traditionally assumed a peripheral role in the eyes of the student body. Sneha Shah and Sarah Steely, co-chairs of Student Council's Student Arts Committee, recently shared with tableau how they are working to change that. By creating a network of dedicated contracted independent organizations, professors and students, the arts committee has been successful in bringing a diverse selection of new programs to their growing list of arts initiatives.
The committee's work has already been brought to fruition through initiatives implemented last semester. During Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn, the committee teamed up with University Programs Council for pumpkin painting and face painting. The committee also gives funds to talented University students to create and develop art through their newly created Independent Student Arts Project Fund. Shah hopes that the programs will "bring together the University and bridge the gap that has always seemed to separate the arts from the rest of the school."
Student Council also hopes to facilitate greater arts awareness through projects like the First Year Arts Advocates program, in which one student represents each dorm and encourages his peers to participate in programs and events.
This spring, the committee's effort of enriching the University arts community will culminate in a week-long event called Arts Madness. The week-long showcase will bring University and community organizations from all areas of the arts together for an impressive display of the University's dedication to the arts. Although Shah and Steely note that the plans are still tentative, events like "Dancing with the Professors" - a spin-off of the popular TV show Dancing with the Stars - and an a capella group sing-off are in the works.
"The Arts Madness event will be accessible to everyone," she said, "and we hope that it will be able to provide a fresh perspective for the arts that has been missing on Grounds in the past"
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