Miami University President Hodge declares 2011-2012 "Year of the Arts: Transform"

Rooted in the desire to highlight and celebrate the long history, present dynamism and future plans for the arts, Miami University President David Hodge will declare 2011-2012 as the "Year of the Arts" when he welcomes more than 3,650 first-year students during University Convocation, Friday, Aug. 19.

“Every year, we offer hundreds of events, exhibitions and other arts activities, which are a treasured part of life at Miami and the communities that surround our campuses in Oxford, Hamilton, Middletown and West Chester,” said President Hodge. “So it makes perfect sense to celebrate and spotlight the important role the arts at Miami play in engaging, entertaining and educating the region. We invite everyone in our regional communities to partner in celebrating the transformative power of the arts.”

The Year of the Arts celebration will feature several new signature events while highlighting the excellent work offered each year, and it will involve events from all academic divisions on campus, according to Jim Lentini, dean of the School of Fine Arts.

“Educators and employers increasingly understand that the creativity inspired by the arts are vital to the education of all students,” said Lentini. “I am especially proud that Miami is honoring the arts with such valuable recognition. It clearly speaks to the importance of the arts to our university community.”

Highlighted events include the Sept. 23 grand opening of the Art Center, which moved from Rowan Hall to the newly-renovated Phillips Hall natatorium; a multi-media “Collage Concert” at 7 p.m. Aug. 27; and the performance of the Miami marching band in the nationally televised Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The year-long celebration also includes an exhibition at the Miami University Art Museum focusing on women in art; the 2011 Young Sculptors Competition Sept. 2 through Oct. 14; symposia on current arts issues; and dozens of performances, lectures and exhibitions across the Oxford, Middletown, Hamilton and Voice of America campuses.

“The arts challenge us to explore and embrace difference, helping develop the cultural competence necessary for living and working in a multicultural world,” said President Hodge. “The arts teach adaptive and creative capacities for lifelong learning and success in a rapidly changing world. These kinds of 'high impact' experiences have an unusually great effect on personal growth. The Year of the Arts underscores one of the many ways Miami University provides a broad educational experience.”

Another key component of the celebration asks, “How have the arts changed you?” Students, faculty and community members are asked to email their stories to MyArtSTory@muohio.edu.

These transformation stories will be collected and shared on the Year of the Arts website.