Happy Anniversary AUArts Students, Faculty and Staff!
Only three short years ago on February 1st, we transitioned from Alberta College of Art + Design (ACAD) to the proud University we are now. Today we also recognize AUArts’ 96 remarkable years of art, craft, and design education. An incredible roster of artists, craftspeople, and designers have passed through our hallways over the years: learning, exploring, mentoring, and teaching. Our history and story have been growing since 1926 when were founded as an art department within the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art (PITA), later known as SAIT. Various incarnations on our journey have been Alberta College of Art (ACA, 1960) and ACAD (1995). A milestone was 1973 when ACA moved into this purpose-built building, we still call home today. As you head to studios and classes, to offices and various workspaces on campus this week, please take a moment to reflect upon and celebrate the rich and amazing history we are all part of.
It is our community we all belong to that truly makes AUArts so unique as we are more than a building or a place. We are a creative force spilling out of this campus into the streets. Throughout this February, a wide range of our students, faculty and alumni have important exhibitions throughout Calgary. Three AUArts students, Leia Guo, AJ Kluck, and Daniela Szeoke are featured in the Exposure Festival Emerging Photographers showcase at Contemporary Calgary, while many more of our students are involved in Exposure exhibitions at cSPACE, AUArts Main Mall and other locations. Faculty members are also exhibiting in Calgary this month including Brian Flynn, Laurel Johannesson, and Sondra Meszaros. Additionally, AUArts is an official partner of Chinook Blast, Calgary’s winter festival, with student projects taking place in many locations around the city. There is always something interesting going on here in Calgary, and invariably, when I check who is involved – especially in the visual arts, it is usually an AUArts community member.
Today on this anniversary remember that our University is much more than a location or space on a hill overlooking the city. We are a catalyst for change. We make a difference as we strive to change the world and enrich our communities. We are proudly AUArts – 96-years-old and unstoppable.
All the very best,
Daniel
Dr. Daniel Doz
President and CEO
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