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51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Announces New Academic School of Creative Arts

PLAINVIEW – In a move intended to foster creativity and education in the arts, 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University introduces the School of Creative Arts. The new school will house the Department of Art & Design, Department of Media and Communication, and the Department of Music. Bringing these areas together under a single academic division will allow for a greater, more comprehensive focus on the arts and art education.

The new school will promote a mentor-apprenticeship culture, focusing on artistic excellence, entrepreneurial vision and Christ-centered servant leadership. The move effectively combines the School of Music and School of Fine Arts to better meet student needs. Curriculum for the new school will focus on immersion in the artistic process, giving students a well-rounded education in all aspects of art education, with a goal of preparing students to pursue viable careers following graduation.

Dr. Ann Stutes, Dean of the School of Creative Arts, said the move is a bold step to reimagine education in the arts, incorporating technology and entrepreneurial training with traditional education.

“Faculty are excited to bring revitalized and relevant arts experiences to 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ and the surrounding region,” Stutes said. “Through immersion in the artistic process – from design, to creation and finally exhibition – we believe our students are equipped to embrace evolving 21st century professions while providing platforms for creative expression that inevitably enrich the human condition.”

Immediate plans for the school include reviewing and updating curriculum for existing degrees, as well as adding minor fields of study to the list of degree offerings. The school has already rolled out plans for a new certification program in piano pedagogy and it has also added arts entrepreneurship to the list of minors.

Long-term plans include creating new learning spaces such as the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Spirio Studio for piano instruction, and a sculpture patio. Existing space in the music wing of the Harral Arts Center will be used to create a worship arts space, and the Black Box studio theatre will be transformed into a state-of-the-art center for media arts. These long-range projects are still in the planning stages.

Existing learning spaces include the Malouf Abraham Family Art Center, Jimmy Dean Museum, Pritchard Graphics Lab, Jones-Franklin Music Technology Lab, Miller Recital Hall, and the Academy of Fine Arts. Students can also take advantage of painting, drawing, and ceramic studio space, as well as music practice rooms and teaching studios.

 

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