MSU launches Year of Arts and Culture
Contact: Lisa Mulcrone, University Relations: (517) 432-0922, cell (517)285-1044, mulcron2@msu.edu; Lora Helou, MSU Museum: (517) 432-3357, helou@msu.edu; Kent Love, (517) 353-1982, Ext. 113, loveke@msu.edu
Aug. 29, 2007
EAST LANSING, Mich. — To recognize the important role that arts and culture play on campus and in the community, Michigan State University will celebrate the Year of Arts and Culture during the 2007-08 academic year.
The initiative comprises a year of activities involving arts and culture units and academic programs. Highlights will include anniversary celebrations of the Wharton Center for Performing Arts; the MSU Museum and the Department of Theatre; the beginnings of the new Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum; the opening of the new Residential College for the Arts and Humanities; the first full academic year since the School of Music became the College of Music, signature events; and much more.
"Michigan State University has a long and impressive history of creative faculty, innovative cultural programs and impact in the arts and cultural arena within the campus community, state, nation and the world," said Kurt Dewhurst, MSU Museum director and chairperson of MSU's Cultural Engagement Council (CEC). "The Year of Arts and Culture has been developed by the Cultural Engagement Council to focus attention on the remarkable state of the arts at MSU today."
The CEC was formed nearly two years ago by University Outreach and Engagement to foster greater connectivity across campus and is made up of leaders of allied cultural units, outreach and student life. The CEC’s goal is to build among students and the community an understanding of the importance of culture through new and innovative partnerships and collaborations, and to enhance teaching and research in all aspects of the study of culture, according to Dewhurst.
“The CEC is building vigorous new linkages that bring together the creative capital of MSU with both campus and off-campus partners,” he said. "The growing support of many MSU faculty, staff, alumni and friends demonstrates the value our society places on culture and creativity in the 21st century."
A new Web site, www.artsandculture.msu.edu, was created to help consolidate the many events, resources, academic offerings and ways to support the arts.
Listen to The Spartan Podcast with Dewhurst at http://spartanpodcast.com/?p=307.
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Michigan State University has been advancing knowledge and transforming lives through innovative teaching, research and outreach for more than 150 years. MSU is known internationally as a major public university with global reach and extraordinary impact. Its 17 degree-granting colleges attract scholars worldwide who are interested in combining education with practical problem solving.
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