Dean’s Message
We’re Very Connected . . . Despite the conditions we’re all dealing with at the moment. The more adversity we face as a result of the Coronavirus, the more vital the arts become. It’s quite a challenge, though: Those three figures on the cover aren’t “social distancing” (it’s not very social!), but physical distancing, which is what we’re all doing. Hard to imagine doing ballet, or acting, or playing in the orchestra — but doing it from home! On screen! Of course, we all hope that conditions will change very soon. In keeping with current world conditions, we’ve themed our entire 2020-21 academic year “Arts and Wellbeing”— not just physical wellbeing but the social and cultural wellbeing that come only from the arts. We take our unique role in the health of our culture very seriously. As usual, in CONNECT you’ll meet people you didn’t know or only a little. You may know about Jesse Colin Jackson’s face-shield project, but you may not know about the CTSA staff and students’ face-mask sewing project. Music’s Michael Dessen has become a go-to source for the international networking of great jazz performance. The profiles of current graduate students and alumni illustrate the kinds of connections our programs produce. CONNECT’s regular Q & A with a prominent CTSA individual brings you Dean’s Arts Board Chairman Ivan Williams, who’s revamping CTSA’s central group of supporters. He’s done a wonderful job, and I’m delighted that you can get to know him a bit better. We’re very excited about facing and dealing with the challenges of art-making in a difficult time. We’re so grateful that you’re coming along with us on this journey, and we hope we’re contributing to your wellbeing by showing you our excitement about the arts.
Stephen Barker, Ph.D. Dean
