Syracuse Sun

A yearlong effort to reimagine and enhance the arts and cultural programming at Syracuse University has led to a name change for the Coalition of Museums and Art Centers, now known as Arts at Syracuse University. This initiative includes a new website and strategic plan aimed at boosting the profile of the university's diverse arts offerings.

Miranda Traudt, assistant provost for arts and community programming, explained that this rebranding is part of a broader effort to highlight the university’s arts programs. "The new name is part of a rebranding and profile-boosting effort to highlight the University’s arts offerings and strengthen and grow awareness of its diverse group of centers and programs," said Traudt.

The newly launched Arts at Syracuse University website showcases various arts centers and programs available to students, faculty, staff, and community members. The site also features a dedicated calendar highlighting events, ongoing programs, and exhibitions.

The initiative encompasses several spaces and programs including the Syracuse University Art Museum, Light Work, Community Folk Art Center, La Casita Cultural Center, Point of Contact/Punto de Contacto, Syracuse Stage, Special Collections Research Center at Syracuse University Libraries, Urban Video Project (which conducts outdoor visual displays), Malmgren Concert Series, Syracuse University Artist-in-Residence Program, and the Louise and Bernard Palitz Gallery in New York City.

According to Traudt, this planning process was spearheaded by the Office of Strategic Initiatives. "This is much more than a name change. It’s a true rethinking of the arts at Syracuse University," she said. "We purposefully considered how all the individual units and centers that are doing such fantastic work on their own could band together to have greater overall impact."

Traudt emphasized that grouping these units together offers distinctive experiential learning opportunities for students typically available only at larger national or international venues. She highlighted several key aspects: "The Syracuse University Art Museum has one of the largest university-owned art collections in the country... Light Work’s renowned Artist-in-Residence Program has hosted more than 400 artists coming from every U.S. state... Urban Video Project is an important international venue for video art projections."

Elisa Dekaney

Elisa Dekaney, associate provost for strategic initiatives drew parallels with study-abroad programs: “We pride ourselves on the fact that the University's study-abroad programs utilize their locations as classrooms... But we can also say ‘Syracuse is our classroom’ because of the rich arts programming.”

Additional goals outlined in the strategic plan include serving as an international model for arts engagement in higher education; expanding community partnerships; fostering relationships with local to international partners; increasing faculty engagement; alumni involvement; donor support for arts programs.