U of T Arts Council celebrates Student Awards for Engagement in the Arts

Students from across U of T’s diverse faculties and programs joined staff and faculty recently to celebrate student engagement and involvement in the arts.The winners of the first Student Awards for Engagement in the Arts were recognized for their accomplishments in everything from dance to creative writing to stage production.

In 2010, the University of Toronto Arts Council created the awards to recognize those UofT students - undergraduates and graduates - who are leaders in the arts community on campus, doing outstanding work outside the classroom, regardless of their academic affiliation.

“The students at our university play leading roles in all aspects of our campuses, not least as leaders of the arts community,” said Professor Jill Matus, vice-provost (students). “Thanks to them, arts engagement on our campuses is thriving. The winners of these awards have not only contributed to academic life, but also to the vibrant arts events and installations on our campuses and to the overall experiences of their fellow students.”

Thirteen students were honoured with the award this year: Stephanie Azarello (visual art); Julian Cervello (drama); Jennifer Chan (art & culture); Taryn Davis (performance art); Monika Dembowy (stage production); Sarah Harris (dance); Bodgan Luca (visual art); Andrew McEwan (creative writing); Rebecca Noone (visual art); Matthew Poot (music); Tharmila Rajasingam (art galleries & exhibits); Mary Scourboutakos (writing & music); and Janet Sung (music).

Among the qualifications for receiving an Engagement in the Arts Award is that students volunteer their time and that the work they undertake is not for an academic program or work undertaken in a course. The focus of the awards is therefore primarily - though not exclusively - on those many students across our campuses who use the arts to enrich the lives of those around them, but who might nevertheless be in a non-arts related discipline of study.

Nominations for the Arts Council Student Awards for Engagement in the Arts are now open for 2010-11. The deadline is May 6, 2011 and more information and forms can be found at: www.arts.utoronto.ca. The Arts Council welcomes nominations from all faculty and staff members who work with students involved, in any capacity, with the arts at U of T.