ATHENS, Ohio — Gaining a college education is not limited to the classroom – social activities play an integral role in student development and the overall educational experience. Exposure to the arts is vital.
Ohio University found that while students were interested in arts programming on campus, very few were actually attending. Determining that exposure to arts programming is just as important to the college experience as algebra or English literature, the university developed a plan – not only to fill the seats, but developing young minds as well.
All art events would be free to all students.
With goals of accessibility, increasing the number of arts experiences and raising the arts programming profile, the university set out to bring art to the masses with the Arts for OHIO Initiative. And students would play a major role. Programming initiatives are determined by a student-led advisory board who determine what new initiatives and programs will be funded through the Arts for OHIO Initiative.
Attendance numbers tell the story of the program’s success in raising the arts’ profile – attendance doubled in the first year, including art galleries, which had always been free. Programs such as dance concerts saw a 60 percent increase in the number of student attendees.
Since its inception, the Arts for Ohio initiative has been embraced across the curriculum as an opportunity to integrate the classroom and artistic venues. Faculty and program directors from such areas as University College, Communication Studies, English, Geography, Engineering, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Programs (LGBT) and more use arts programming for educational study, to facilitate discussion and promote social and interactive activities.
“Ohio University recognizes arts as an important vehicle for change and discussion of difficult issues, including race, gender, religion or gender bias,” said Maureen Wagner, Arts for OHIO project director. “Art breaks down those barriers and offers a place to experiment in a safe, supportive environment where we can have those conversations. That’s remarkable.”
Call Wagner to find out:
- The increase in arts programming/events through Arts for OHIO
- Student response
- Faculty involvement in the arts and arts in the curriculum
- How Arts for OHIO helps shape diversity on campus
- The number of venues and artistic outlets on campus (The impact of Arts for OHIO on the local community and more)
Contact: Maureen Wagner, Arts for OHIO project director, at 740-593-9355 or wagnerm@ohio.edu.
Media contact: Amy Wells, director of communications, Ohio University College of Fine Arts, at 740-597-3340 or wellsa1@ohio.edu.
Arts for OHIO Web page: http://www.finearts.ohio.edu/artsforohio/index.htm
