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WHY US?

Find your voice. Fuel your passion. Ignite your future.

The University of Utah College of Fine Arts faculty and programs challenge, immerse and ultimately prepare committed students for a rewarding career in the arts. 

teaching

Specialization and Teaching

World class faculty and robust arts teaching programs fuel the next generations of creative thinkers.

spotlight

Spotlight

With over a dozen venues to exhibit, perform, or screen films, students’ chances to shine are abundant.

research

Arts Research

As a Research 1 institution, opportunities abound to participate in groundbreaking creative and scholarly arts research.

interdisiplne

Interdisciplinary

Whether across creative disciplines or across campus, innovation thrives where the arts intersect.

city

Creative Culture

Salt Lake City’s thriving and vibrant arts culture offers world class local and global arts experiences.

mountains

Nature

Nestled at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, campus is minutes away from trailheads and ski resorts.

Study With Us

300+

Arts experiences on campus each year

86%

of alumni rated their experience as excellent/good

95%

of our recent alumni felt respected by their instructors/faculty

NEWS + BLOG

The Finer Points

Photo: Marissa Mooney

Photo: Photo: Dave Titensor of University Marketing & Communications
Theatre Lighting: Halee Rasmussen

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Photo: Dave Titensor of University Marketing & Communications
Theatre lighting: Halee Rasmussen

ON THE COVER /

Musical Theatre student Trey Pullen sits alone in the Babcock Theatre, a space usually filled to capacity with audiences that include students, 

friends and family of students, donors, and the community at large. Pullen, like the rest of our audiences this year, accessed performances virtually, often alone, but together in the separateness.

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If it were not for life in the years 2020 and 2021, I don’t know that I would otherwise find myself drawing similarities between the practices of art-making and the art of education during national and global crises. At first blush, the two arguably seem like unrelated efforts.

But witnessing the swift, responsive thoughtfulness of our faculty, staff, and students to the mighty influences of this last year has illuminated the striking commonalities between these endeavors. So much of the artistic enterprise — the creative process — was reflected in the ways we pivoted from traditional modes of teaching and learning to the new ones the pandemic and social unrest required.  

We had originally set out with an idea of what we wanted to manifest; our work of art was rigorous, immersive education that allows students to find their voices, fuel their passions, and ignite their futures. As artists familiar with malleable materials, bodies, spaces, sound and light, we are accustomed to the constant adjustments it takes to respond to the whims of external elements. COVID-19, however, tested our abilities, our patience, and our resolve to shift and adapt.

And we rose to the occasion.

The process, though oftentimes very trying, has been awe-inspiring for me to witness. And the product, as you will see examples of in this magazine, is a collection of unique masterpieces. 

I knew to expect creativity, but I could never have ever imagined this breadth and depth of innovative genius. I hope you find it equally as inspiring.

Thank you, as always, for being part of our College of Fine Arts family. ■

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The Department of Theatre’s 2020/2021 season became affectionately known as “Distanced but Not Distant.” While the theatres were dark and the bulk of instruction, rehearsing, and performing happened elsewhere, the theatre community dug deep to find new and innovative ways to make and share their work and provide connection.

When they originally selected their shows, they did so expecting to present them live and in-person. When circumstances changed, priorities shifted, and so did the season to meet them. But the separation has confirmed the truth we have long known: what matters is connection — the company we keep, and the care we take of one another.

 

As the department navigated the smaller, safer season, their excitement about new genres and technology was surpassed by their resolve. As their coronavirus response now enters a new chapter, they are still reckoning with the global pandemic of racial discrimination and systemic inequality.

We have all learned so much, both from the journey and from our traveling companions. Thank you, now and always, for the gift of your company.

RECAP: ArtsForce Career Trek to Ririe Woodbury
11-15-2024
RECAP: ArtsForce Career Trek to Ririe Woodbury

On October 25, CFA students had the opportunity to visit Ririe-Woodbury Dance...

Skip Black Friday
11-12-2024
Skip Black Friday

Skip the chaos of Black Friday and head straight to the U campus instead! The Department of Art & Art History (Gittins Gallery) and Utah Museum...

Holiday Event Round-Up with U Arts
11-11-2024
Holiday Event Round-Up with U Arts

‘Tis the season for art! Wondrous holiday events await you on the University of Utah campus. Take a stroll through our markets or take a seat in one...

Brittany Nelson joins the CFA as new Finance and Operations Officer
11-07-2024
Brittany Nelson joins the CFA as new Finance and Operations Officer

The College of Fine Arts is excited to welcome Brittany Nelson as its new Finance and Operations Officer. Nelson takes the reins from the UMFA Chief...

People who love and care
11-06-2024
People who love and care

“Spring Awakening,” presented by the University...

New Creative Arts Therapies courses launch at University of Utah
11-05-2024
New Creative Arts Therapies courses launch at University of Utah

As a state, Utah has a rich history of using the arts for wellbeing. The more recent groundswell of emerging arts and health initiatives in various...

Channel electrically exciting dance at Grounding
11-04-2024
Channel electrically exciting dance at Grounding

This month, watch as the School of Dance harnesses the electric power of its alumni and faculty in Grounding.

Grounding features work by...

Inside “A Musical Cabinet of Curiosities”
10-22-2024
Inside “A Musical Cabinet of Curiosities”

Every year, the day after Utah Philharmonia’s Haunted Orchestra concert concludes, Dr. Robert Baldwin starts thinking about the music selections for...

The (re)making of a Shakespeare classic
10-22-2024
The (re)making of a Shakespeare classic

There’s a specific magic a play written centuries ago and presented all over the world through the ages can manifest in a theatre community. Deciding...

You're invited...to Dinner Party
10-21-2024
You're invited...to Dinner Party

The University of Utah School of Dance presents “Dinner Party,” an evening of original choreography...

Taking Shakespeare to local young audiences
10-18-2024
Taking Shakespeare to local young audiences

The Department of Theatre’s cast for A...

New ARToberFest unites Department of Art & Art History
10-15-2024
New ARToberFest unites Department of Art & Art History

The Department of Art & Art History will celebrate autumn and art at ARToberFest, Thursday October 17 from 4p to 8p in the Art Building Courtyard...

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EVENTS

Art in Action