UNews - Heather Davis-Fisch

Social sciences and humanities researchers secure greater than $1.175 million from SSHRC

trevor.kenney — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 20:30:55 +0000

The breadth of research excellence at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is reflected in the latest funding announcement from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), with 10 ULethbridge researchers representing four Faculties and one School all earning support for their work.

On behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, announced in Edmonton Tuesday more than $289 million in support for 1,788 social sciences and humanities research projects and partnerships across Canada. The funded projects span a diverse range of topics — including climate change adaptation, economic recovery, social justice and impacts of emerging technologies on society — that will generate new knowledge and enable partnerships to help translate insights into solutions for people and their communities.

“Research in the social sciences and humanities is the cornerstone of a resilient, forward-thinking society,” says Bardeesy. “This announcement reflects our deep commitment to Canadian research. By supporting these projects, we are empowering scholars to develop the vital insights and collaborative solutions needed to build a more resilient, equitable and innovative future for everyone.”

The ULethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts, Faculty of Education, Dhillon School of Business and Faculty of Arts & Science, along with the School of Liberal Education combined to earn $1.175 million in SSHRC funding support through Insight Grants, Insight Development Grants and Partnership Engage Grants.

“This funding announcement really highlights the excellent work being done throughout the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, ULethbridge Vice-President Research. “When students come to study here, they are being educated and work alongside nationally funded researchers across multiple disciplines, many of which lead their fields in research initiatives. Congratulations to those who earned this valuable support from SSHRC for their respective projects.”

McMartin also notes that Faculty of Education Dean, Dr. Lisa Starr’s project, was the top ranked SSHRC project in Canada, followed closely by Faculty of Fine Arts Dean, Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, and her drama project.

Insight Grants

Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch’s (Drama, $413,116) project addresses the problem of English-Canadian theatre historiography's reliance on textual analysis, scripts, and print documents, which has marginalized historically significant practices, particularly from underrepresented communities. Her research team will partner with galleries, archives, and museums to explore how alternate performance histories emerge from the analysis of archival objects and materials.

Dr. Kaylan Schwarz (Liberal Education, $69,014) is investigating the construction of feminist identities, and the social contexts which inform them. Combining visual methods, participatory methods, and intergenerational approaches, her project seeks to develop understandings of feminist representation and placemaking in the Canadian Prairies.

In Sierra Leone, girls and young women are often trapped in a cycle of dependency, health complications and poverty. Dr. Lisa Starr’s (Education, $368,933) project is aimed at reshaping gender dynamics for young female teachers in Sierra Leone by redistributing resources, expectations and responsibilities among new teachers. The intent is to study the impact of an integrative approach on Gender Transformation in teachers' personal lives and teaching practice, including their sense of professional identity and agency.

Insight Development Grants

Dr. David Balcarras (Philosophy, $26,354) seeks to address a fundamental question in philosophy of language: how words come to have meaning. By combining historical perspective with technical analysis, his project aims to clarify how best to explain the unbounded nature of linguistic meaning in finite human terms. If successful, it promises a deeper understanding of what linguistic meaning really is and how language and thus inquiry itself are possible.

Dr. Katharina Stevens (Philosophy, $41,957) proposes a project that will establish the foundation for developing a normative theory of voice allocation in interpersonal argumentation. Decisions on whom we give voice to argue with us, who we listen to and to whom we respond meaningfully significantly impact the way in which deliberation in the private and civic sphere proceeds. Normative argumentation theory aims to provide guidance to everyday arguers that will enable them to argue well in all senses of the term, and in all contexts.

Dr. Abdlmutaleb Boshanna (Dhillon School of Business, $51,253), whose expertise includes corporate governance, corporate disclosure, sustainability, natural language processing (NLP), textual analysis, and machine learning, proposes a project investigating whether firms use tax sustainability disclosure (TSD) as a strategic communication mechanism to navigate fiscal uncertainty and signal investment intentions after major tax reform.

Dr. Rhiannon Mesler (Dhillon School of Business, $77,198) is delving into the world of AI-mediated systems, noting that everyday customer service decisions — such as refund approvals, late-fee enforcement, fraud flags, and service recovery responses — are increasingly shaped by these systems. The project advances the concept of moral outsourcing: the displacement of responsibility for unfavourable but procedurally defensible outcomes from human decision-makers onto AI systems.

Dr. Monique Giroux (Music, $34,275) is examining intergenerational music teaching and learning through an in-depth qualitative case study of the Kenosee Lake Kitchen Party and Fiddle Camp (KLKP), an intentionally intergenerational, community-centred fiddle camp in Saskatchewan. The central research question asks how intergenerational teaching and learning are enacted at KLKP, and how these practices may support both continued musical engagement and the care and continuity of traditions.

Academic Freedom (AF) is the focus of Dr. Dan O’Donnell’s (English, $75,000) project. Academic Freedom, as it is currently understood from a legal and policy perspective, assumed its current form in statements written in late 1960s and early 1970s. This model has recently struggled to accommodate a broader and more contested set of expectations surrounding freedom of expression and inclusivity — his project proposing to address contemporary questions by contextualizing the debate, intellectually, historically, and from a legal and policy perspective.

Partnership Engage Grant

Dr. Andrea Cuéllar’s (Anthropology, $48,825) and co-applicant Dr. Lars Hallström (Political Science), both with the Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy, are partnering with the Oldman Watershed Council to co-develop the Socioeconomic Pillar of its updated State of the Watershed assessment. The project will analyze socioeconomic indicators relevant to watershed governance, develop reproducible open-source methods for future assessment updates, and translate the findings into accessible narratives and visualizations. It will also support the development of a First Nations-led framework to guide Watershed assessment. The resulting Socioeconomic Pillar will provide a fuller understanding of the social and economic factors influencing land and water stewardship across the Oldman watershed.

Faculty of Fine Arts launches Indigenous Artist(s) in Residence program supported by TD Bank Group

trevor.kenney — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:56:31 +0000

Supported by TD Bank Group, program advances reconciliation and cultural exchange

Supporting Indigenous students and community-based artists in building sustainable professional careers, Piiksinaasin (Manifesting Beauty), the Faculty of Fine Arts at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is launching an Indigenous Artist(s) in Residence (IAiR) program and opening its call for applications for its inaugural cohort.

Generously supported by TD Bank Group, the IAiR program provides Indigenous artists with the time, space and resources to develop new creative work, advance their careers and artistic practice and engage with ULethbridge and southern Alberta communities. The program also supports the Faculty of Fine Arts’ commitment to fostering reconciliation and furthering meaningful intercultural dialogue.

The IAiR program embeds artists within both the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the surrounding region, creating opportunities for sustained cultural learning and exchange while empowering artists to focus on achieving their creative goals.

Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, says the program reflects the Faculty’s commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices and strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

“By providing opportunities for professional development and career advancement close to community, artists can continue their training without sacrificing their connections to family, community and land,” says Davis-Fisch. “By supporting artists, we are investing not only in individual careers, but also in cultural resilience, community connection and the next generation of artistic and cultural leaders.”

As part of the residency, artists will produce new work, mentor students and share their creative practices through public engagement opportunities. Artists will be supported culturally and artistically by the Faculty, while receiving financial support from TD’s gift.

“At TD, we believe communities are stronger when diverse voices and perspectives are supported and celebrated," says Robert Ghazal, Senior Vice President and Alberta Region Head, TD. "Indigenous artists play a vital role in enriching our communities, yet many still face barriers to growing and sharing their work. Through our support of the Indigenous Artist(s) in Residence program, we’re proud to help create space for Indigenous artists to develop their craft, strengthen their careers and connect with the community. Programs like this help foster inclusion, deepen cultural understanding and build stronger communities across southern Alberta.”

ULethbridge and the Faculty of Fine Arts are uniquely positioned to offer world-class facilities and resources to local Indigenous artists, supporting work that bridges cultural divides, fosters dialogue and deepens understanding.

“Piiksinaasin is a place where beauty can be manifested. The IAiR program will give Indigenous artists from the community an opportunity to come to Iniskim (��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge) to share their beauty manifestation skills, encouraging students along the way to engage in beauty manifestations and storytelling through art,” says Iitspinnimaki, Amethyst First Rider, Elder Advisor and member of the Fine Arts Iniskim Advisory Circle.

Call for applications

Applications are now open for the inaugural Indigenous Artist(s) in Residence cohort. Emerging and early career Indigenous artists working in all disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Expressions of Interest will be accepted until August 31, 2026. Following this, the Fine Arts Iniskim Advisory Circle will shortlist artists and work with them to submit full proposals, with inaugural recipients to be announced in late 2026.

For more information about the Indigenous Artist(s) in Residence program and application details, visit /fine-arts/indigenous-artists-residence.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Vibe Fest invites community to a contemporary arts explosion

trevor.kenney — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:36:38 +0000

Celebrate innovation, creative excellence, connection and more with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts’ Vibe Fest, presented by Stringam Law.

Held on Saturday, April 18, from 3 to 10 p.m. in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts, Vibe Fest opens the Faculty’s doors to the community to highlight the full scope of emerging and innovative art practices across fine arts students, faculty, staff and alumni.

“Vibe Fest shows off all the things that creative arts and technologies are in 2026. Many people aren’t quite sure what we do in fine arts, and Vibe Fest is a fun way for folks — inside and outside the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ — to experience all areas of fine arts,” says Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts.

Through Vibe Fest, the Faculty of Fine Arts puts its world-class studios, spaces, technologies and facilities on display in accessible and interactive ways, inviting audiences to engage through immersive, playful and experimental experiences.

Visitors can check out exhibitions, performances, installations and more from each area of the fine arts — including music concerts, a dramatic creative collab, art awards and a faculty exhibition and a technologically-driven new media showcase — as well as a local artisan market presented by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students’ Union and a curator’s tour of the new ULethbridge Art Gallery exhibit, Parallels, which showcases the renowned Buchanan Collection.

Davis-Fisch says Vibe Fest affirms the importance of arts education and builds advocacy for the arts in southern Alberta.

“The festival is designed so visitors can pop in and out of performances, exhibitions and spaces, immersing themselves and exploring as much as they’d like. And it’s low risk — if you don’t love what you’re seeing, you can walk around the corner and see or experience something else!”

This is the second Vibe Fest event, with last year’s exceeding expectations for attendance and engagement, as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts welcomed more than 1,500 community members for the inaugural festival. Davis-Fisch adds for this year, attendees can experience an impactful event that has something for everyone.

“Vibe Fest is bigger and better this year, with expanded hours and even more curated performances and exhibitions, allowing our creative excellence in the Faculty of Fine Arts to come through in exciting and inclusive ways. This is truly a can’t-miss event for art supporters and those curious about what occurs behind closed doors in the fine arts.”

Vibe Fest is free for all to attend, with entertainment for individuals and families of all ages and interests.

Learn more about Vibe Fest, read our sneak peeks and join the vibe at go.uleth.ca/vibe.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Fine Arts’ Vibe Fest partners with Stringam Law

trevor.kenney — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 23:16:22 +0000

It’s a non-traditional pairing — exactly what Vibe Fest and Stringam Law aim to bring to the southern Alberta community in their respective missions.

In a move that celebrates Stringam Law’s strong community commitment, Stringam Law has entered a multi-year partnership with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Faculty of Fine Arts, becoming the presenting sponsor for the Faculty’s innovative Vibe Fest event.

Lawyers at the Stringam Law Lethbridge office.

Vibe Fest is a contemporary, immersive celebration of artistic excellence at ULethbridge. Showcasing the creative work of students, alumni and faculty, Vibe Fest transforms fine arts spaces into vibrant, interactive art experiences that are open, inclusive and free to the public.

“Vibe Fest made a significant impression on our students and in the southern Alberta community and highlighted the importance of arts-based education,” says Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts. “We’re thrilled to have Stringam Law affirm this, and with their support, ensure Vibe Fest remains an accessible, innovative and impactful event.”

Last year’s inaugural event saw more than 1,500 people visit the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts (UCA), wandering through art-filled hallways, taking in creative showcases and exploring all the spaces, places and technology that make the Faculty of Fine Arts a leading place for arts-based education.

Stringam Law is a regional law firm driven to provide a competitive edge in the increasingly complex and interconnected provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Stringam’s pillars of community engagement include post-secondary schools and the arts, a perfect match for their commitment to supporting community culture and students.

“This is a key priority for Stringam, as many of our lawyers are graduates of ULethbridge and we have a deep connection with the institution,” says Holt Humphrey, vice-president of business development with Stringam Law.

“The arts in general are under-supported, but they provide immense value to communities. Seeing and experiencing the thriving arts community in Lethbridge affirms our commitment to the arts and makes me proud of the direction we take with our community engagement.”

Humphrey says he learned about Vibe Fest from friends, who noted that the exhilarating event matched Stringam Law’s philanthropic philosophy.

More than an event, Vibe Fest builds community connections, celebrates creative innovation and advocates for the value of arts education by bringing people directly into the world of contemporary artmaking.

From engaging performances to experimental installations, audiences can explore the full spectrum of emerging art practices across disciplines through Vibe Fest. With the support of Stringam, Vibe Fest will continue to ignite curiosity in young artists, families and first-time arts visitors for years to come.

“We’re very much looking forward to supporting and attending such a unique cultural event. I’m thrilled to see what’s being created and to join in the energy that comes from Vibe Fest. It’s great for us to come onboard at such an early stage — watching new events grow and gain success is exceptionally exciting,” adds Humphrey.

Next year’s Vibe Fest will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 3 to 10 p.m. in the UCA.

ULethbridge invites business leaders and community members to join Stringam Law in supporting Vibe Fest. Connect with James Phelan, philanthropy advisor, External Relations, to explore sponsorship opportunities and ways to get involved. Sponsorship information is available at go.uleth.ca/vibe.

Vibe Fest returning in 2026, planning underway for popular event

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 21:15:11 +0000

After an extraordinary community response to Vibe Fest 2025, the Faculty of Fine Arts at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is pleased to announce that Vibe Fest will be returning April 18, 2026. Community members will once again be invited to enjoy an all-access, premiere showcase of student, faculty, staff and alumni talent and creativity.

Vibe Fest 2025 was a hit with the southern Alberta community.

The 2025 event was a resounding success, where 1,600 community members, friends and family made their way through the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts building, wandering through art-filled hallways, touring scarcely-seen spaces and immersing themselves in live music and soundscapes. Next year, Vibe Fest hours will be extended to give attendees a chance to take in all the sights, sounds, bites and activities.

“The success of Vibe Fest highlights how the Faculty of Fine Arts contributes to the arts ecosystem of Lethbridge and southern Alberta, and how much our community supports our students and alumni,” says Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts. “We are excited to continue growing Vibe Fest as an outstanding celebration that connects students and alumni to the arts communities and affirms the important role that arts education plays in society.”

Vibe Fest 2026 will showcase exhibits, performances and works from all areas of the fine arts, including the Departments of Art, Drama, Music and New Media. Vibe Fest 2026 will again feature the local artisan market, which connects local makers and attendees, as well as activities for participants of all ages, snacks and refreshments.

Applications for the artisan market and project proposals from ULethbridge artists are now being accepted on the Faculty of Fine Arts website at go.uleth.ca/vibe.

Also making a return in 2026 is the Faculty’s signature fundraising dinner, Abbondànza. A beloved celebration of artistic excellence and community generosity, Abbondànza broke fundraising records this year to raise $120,000, thanks to matching support from the ULethbridge Board of Governors. The funds raised will create several new awards for experiential and work-integrated learning opportunities for students. In 2026, Abbondànza will be held on the evening of April 17 to allow attendees to fully participate in both Abbondànza and Vibe Fest.

Sponsorships are available at all levels for community organizations and philanthropists to support these events. Contact ULethbridge External Relations for more information.

ULethbridge PhD student Michelle Sylvestre named Trudeau Foundation Scholar for groundbreaking AI and equity research

trevor.kenney — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:18:46 +0000

Michelle Sylvestre (BFA – Art ’17, MFA – New Media ’21), a PhD student in the cultural, social and political thought program, has been selected as a Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholar — the first doctoral student from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge to receive this prestigious recognition.

Sylvestre’s research, Intersecting Biases: Exploring Gender and Indigenous Representation in Artificial Intelligence to Promote Equity and Inclusion for Historically Underrepresented Communities in Canada, examines how AI systems reflect and reproduce systemic inequities. Drawing on a research-creation framework, she blends critical inquiry with artistic practice to explore the social impacts of emerging technologies and envisions more inclusive digital futures grounded in care, accountability and community engagement.

Michelle Sylvestre’s creative work spans traditional and digital media.

“This scholarship is an amazing opportunity for advancing inclusive technologies through creative, community-engaged research, guided by my work as a Researcher-in-Residence with the Niitsitapi Pod at CIART (Centre for Indigenous Art, Research, and Technology),” says Sylvestre.

Sylvestre is one of only 16 graduate students from a national pool of 686 applicants to receive the award, which provides up to $210,000 over three years, supporting tuition and research-related expenses, as well as access to a national network of interdisciplinary scholars and mentors.

A multidisciplinary artist and sessional instructor in the Faculty of Fine Arts Department of New Media at ULethbridge, Sylvestre’s creative work spans traditional and digital media, with a focus on the intersection of technology, craft and identity.

“My project examines the colonial and patriarchal biases within artificial intelligence (AI) large language models. Using a research-creation framework, I aim to critique AI while imagining futures built on a foundation of care, inclusion and accountability,” she says.

“This is an exceptional achievement for Michelle and the Faculty of Fine Arts,” says Heather Davis-Fisch, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts. “Michelle has demonstrated excellence throughout her academic career — as an undergraduate, a master’s student, and now as a doctoral candidate. Her work exemplifies how rigorous research and creative practice can come together to address some of the most urgent social questions of our time.”

Dr. Jackie Rice, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, emphasizes that Sylvestre’s selection reflects both the strength of her research and the high level of support she is receiving as a doctoral student at ULethbridge.

“With more than 680 highly qualified applicants to this program and a rigorous selection process including in-person interviews, we are extremely proud that the Foundation recognized the excellent work that Michelle is carrying out and is providing funding that will help amplify the impact of her work,” says Rice. “We look forward to continuing to support her in her doctoral studies and are excited to see where this work takes her.”

As a Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Scholar, Sylvestre joins a national network of outstanding researchers committed to advancing equity and social justice through their work. The Foundation, established in 2001 as a tribute to the former prime minister, supports the advancement of outstanding, cutting-edge doctoral research that will have meaningful impacts in our communities, institutions and beyond.

“Becoming a Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation scholar is an exciting opportunity to collaborate across disciplines and to build lasting relationships with changemakers across Canada,” says Sylvestre.

Abbondànza returns, generating record fundraising effort in support of student endowment

trevor.kenney — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 17:57:12 +0000

A record-setting fundraising effort that will shape the creative and career development of the next generation of artists is the legacy of the Abbondànza endowment and the return of the long-running fundraising dinner for 2025.

This year, Abbondànza (Italian for abundance) took on a fresh approach and tied its celebrations to the inaugural Vibe Fest, an all-access community event that opened the doors of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts to the public to showcase the creative talents of Fine Arts students, alumni and employees. The result was a record $70,000 raised for the endowment, with attendees and sponsors contributing before and during the festivities. The Board of Governors will match all net proceeds of the event, doubling the funds dedicated to supporting experiential and work-integrated learning opportunities for Fine Arts students.

Drama students captivated the audience with an electric, David Bowie-inspired performance.

“Abbondànza unites those who believe in the arts and in arts education, and this year, we’re continuing that legacy by creating new awards in the endowment for experiential learning — such as internships, artist residencies and practicums — offering our students hands-on, real-world experiences,” says Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, Faculty of Fine Arts dean.

“These experiences help our students gain confidence, build professional networks and transition from the classroom to careers in the cultural sector, further shaping their futures and engaging our communities through creative partnerships.”

The Faculty’s long-running fundraising dinner, Abbondànza has raised more than $1.75 million to create 155 scholarships for new and continuing Fine Arts students. For over 20 years, Abbondànza has brought conga lines, sing-alongs, serenading chefs, performances, auctions and more in a celebration of creativity, community and generosity.

For former students like Nicole Wilkinson (BFA - Art ’18), receiving an Abbondànza Award allowed her to explore her studies deeper and put herself on the right educational path.

“The Abbondànza Award made me feel recognized and seen for my hard work and it gave me the chance to pursue an internship at the Galt Museum & Archives. That internship turned out to be a turning point in my life. It wasn’t just an opportunity to learn — it was where I found my calling,” says Wilkinson.

“Supporting Fine Arts students creates possibilities far beyond the classroom. It fosters creativity, critical thinking and passion — qualities that shape our communities. Today, I’m fortunate to be working as a Curatorial Assistant with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta Museums, continuing the work I started at the Galt Museum. Everything I learned there has been foundational to what I do now, and I carry it with me every day.”

Performances at Abbondànza included a curated showcase of works from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Art Collection, a fashion show with student-designed and created costumes for Mainstage productions and a performance from renowned members of the Music department.

“Having Abbondànza nested within Vibe Fest allows us to bring world-class talent to the forefront,” adds Davis-Fisch. “Vibe Fest highlights the diverse talents of our students, employees and alumni, and strengthens the bond between the Faculty and the broader community. It’s an event that connects us all in celebration of the transformative power of the arts.”

To contribute to the Abbondànza endowment, visit the giving web page.

The Abbondànza fundraising dinner and Vibe Fest are an example of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Strategic Plan in action under the strategic direction to Engage Communities. We proudly engage as a vibrant and present partner as we aim to generate knowledge and build capacity, foster mutual growth, address shared challenges and create pathways for communities to thrive.

Faculty of Fine Arts launches Vibe Fest, inviting community support and participation

trevor.kenney — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 20:20:10 +0000

Vibe Festival to showcase Faculty of Fine Arts programming and student, alumni and faculty talent in free, community event

For one night only, the doors of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts will open to the community for a showcase of the talent and artistry of fine arts students, alumni and faculty — highlighting the Centre for the Arts as a hub of creative talent in Lethbridge and southern Alberta.

The Vibe Festival (Vibe Fest) promises a playful, immersive celebration of contemporary art, performance and creative technologies. Running from 7 to 11 p.m. on Apr. 12, 2025, the Faculty of Fine Arts Vibe Fest will feature a free, all-access community arts celebration.

“Vibe Fest is an opportunity to celebrate the innovative work our students, alumni and faculty create,” says Faculty of Fine Arts Dean, Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch. “Attendees will experience the full scope of emerging contemporary art practice in southern Alberta and can immerse themselves in interactive and participatory experiences including installations, performances, live music, soundscapes, film and digital media.”

In addition to celebrating student achievement, Vibe Fest attendees can explore the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts’ outstanding learning and creative facilities that are often hidden from public view: studios, exhibition spaces, digital cinema suites, workshops, recording studios and more.

The Faculty of Fine Arts seeks to inspire imaginative, intellectual culture among students, employees and communities. It offers students a comprehensive education with world-class instruction and positions its graduates as change-makers and future leaders in the local, national and global arts communities.

With an anticipated audience of more than 800 people, Vibe Fest will be Fine Arts’ highlight event of the year, spotlighting the Faculty’s artistry and contributions to the wider community, cultivating community support and building advocacy for arts-based education and programming. Adding to the excitement of Vibe Fest, the Faculty of Fine Arts is pleased to announce the much-anticipated revival of Abbondànza. The ticketed fundraising dinner will take place the same night.

“The Faculty of Fine Arts is a central part of the arts ecosystem in southern Alberta, giving students outstanding learning experiences and transferable skills, and providing the community with arts educators, creative practitioners and cultural sector workers,” says Davis-Fisch. “Our hope is for the community to partner with us to celebrate fine arts students’ achievements and the contributions our graduates make to the community.”

Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce CEO and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association President, Cyndi Crane (BMus ’95, MEd ’01), says Vibe Fest will celebrate the established and emerging creative talent that exists in Lethbridge and southern Alberta and affirm the importance of arts education and programming.

“The arts have played a significant role in my own life, and I know I’m not alone,” says Crane, a trained pianist and alumna of ULethbridge’s music program. “Vibe Fest presents an incredible opportunity for individuals and local businesses who value the arts to get involved, either as sponsors or participants, to support the innovative, cultural programming taking place right here in southern Alberta.”

The Faculty of Fine Arts is seeking corporate sponsors, individual philanthropists and community partners for Vibe Fest 2025 and Abbondànza. Individuals and businesses who want to support the arts and ensure access to this festival for all are invited to contact External Relations (external.relations@uleth.ca or call 403-329-2582) to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

Learn more about sponsorship opportunities available for Vibe Fest and Abbondànza: ulethbridge.ca/fine-arts/vibe

Fine Arts researchers part of collaborative cross-country project awarded $2.5 million SSHRC Partnership Grant

trevor.kenney — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 17:08:47 +0000

A unique cross-country partnership between 10 Canadian post-secondary institutions involving three ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts researchers has been awarded a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Partnership Grant of $2.5 million.

Gatherings: Archival and Oral Histories of Performance, is a multi-institutional project that focuses on archival and oral histories of performance in Canada, emphasizing the ephemeral and immaterial nature of performance and its ability to enrich understandings of the myriad of cultures within Canada. The funding is over seven years.

Department of Drama researchers Drs. Gabrielle Houle and Justin Blum.

Department of Drama researchers Drs. Justin Blum and Gabrielle Houle are co-investigators on the project, while Faculty of Fine Arts Dean Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch is a collaborator. Davis-Fisch says the partnership allows for researchers to study the nuances and complexities of performance history and uncover the contributions of groups who have been left out of the conversation altogether.

“Because performance is an embodied practice, it often leaves few documents; often histories of performance exist in oral histories, objects and artifacts, and cultural practices,” says Davis-Fisch. “This is particularly the case for performances like dance, non-theatrical performances, and physical practices, and is exacerbated in the case of performances created and remembered by historically marginalized groups, such as Black, racialized and Indigenous communities, LGBTQ2S+ communities and people with disabilities.”

The project brings together researchers from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Victoria, Dalhousie ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, MacEwan ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Toronto Metropolitan ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Sheridan College Institute of Technology, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Toronto, Trent ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Queen's ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Memorial ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Newfoundland and ULethbridge.

In addition to the academic researchers, the project also involves artists, galleries, libraries, archives, museums and community partners, through support from Canada’s Theatre Museum, Playwrights Canada Press and Dance Collection Danse.

Davis-Fisch says the partnership’s goals are threefold: promote access to archival performance history research, implement ethical practices in oral history collection and preservation and advance digital humanities scholarship to enhance public access to diverse performance histories.

“The impact of this grant will be significant for the Drama department and the Faculty of Fine Arts, not only for how it will support faculty researchers, but also for the opportunities it creates to involve graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and undergraduate students in research. The project will also support relationships and partnerships with community-based organizations and across disciplines within the university.”

Manifesting Beauty: ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts receives Blackfoot name

trevor.kenney — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 20:28:05 +0000

Bearing a commitment to further the work being done to advance reconciliation and Indigenization at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, the Faculty of Fine Arts has been gifted a Blackfoot name – Piiksinaasin – by Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04).

The name was gifted as part of the opening ceremony for the 2024 Indigenous Awareness Week at ULethbridge on March 11.

The name Piiksinaasin was gifted as part of the opening ceremony for the 2024 Indigenous Awareness Week. Faculty of Fine Arts Dean Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, left, and Elder Francis First Charger participate in the naming ceremony.

Piiksinaasin, which means Manifesting Beauty, represents the Faculty of Fine Arts as a place where students create, explore and research, transforming the world around them through creative practice and critical thinking. The name reflects the Faculty’s long-standing support of Indigenous arts and creative initiatives and exemplifies the work done to advance reconciliation and decolonization.

Little Bear was joined by Ninnaisipistoo (Owl Chief) Elder Francis First Charger during the ceremony to gift the name, who spoke on the importance of fine arts for Indigenous Peoples.

“In many Indigenous communities, art is very much a part of our ways. It’s on the rocks, it’s on our tipis, each one with their own meaning. Each one of those arts has a name, there’s a story behind it.”

Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, says receiving a Blackfoot name gives the Faculty the important and ongoing responsibility of serving Indigenous students and the Blackfoot community, and allows the Faculty of Fine Arts to reflect on the work that has been done to support Indigenization.

“I am grateful to my colleagues and predecessors for beginning this important work and to our Elders and Advisors for teaching us how to do the work in a good way. Being gifted a Blackfoot name by Dr. Little Bear also comes with the responsibilities of promoting truth and reconciliation, incorporating decolonial practices in our teaching and learning and actively creating space for Indigenous resurgence and cultural revitalization.”

Fine Arts has been an integral part of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge since the institution’s beginnings in 1967, with fervent faculty and student engagement that worked to improve the quality of the fine arts in Lethbridge and throughout the southern Alberta area. The Faculty of Fine Arts houses departments in art, drama, music and new media. With a focus on creative innovation, professional excellence and liberal education, it aims to inspire an imaginative, intellectual culture at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and in the community.

Dedicated to reconciliation and Indigenization, the Faculty offers unique degree programs in Indigenous Art Studio and Art History/Museum Studies and supports research in Indigenous creative arts, including a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Music, Culture and Politics, and a previous Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Arts and Technology.

Notably, the Department of Drama recently collaborated with the Making Treaty 7 Cultural Society on Yisstsiiyi, a historic production for both Fine Arts and ULethbridge, as it was the first Indigenous-led, created and directed Mainstage production, which featured alum Marshall Vielle (BFA - Dramatic Arts ’17) at the helm.

Now bestowed a Blackfoot name, the Faculty of Fine Arts has a duty to honour the name through continued support for Indigenization in the creative arts and reconciliation. For Davis-Fisch, she sees this as an opportunity to enhance current learning opportunities offered by Fine Arts and purposefully build tenets of Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being into the Faculty’s strategic plan.

“Being gifted the name Piiksinaasin speaks to the Faculty’s long-standing relationships with the Blackfoot community and with Indigenous artists and knowledge keepers,” says Davis-Fisch. “Going forward, I am excited to contribute to the important work of infusing Indigenous ways of knowing and being across our curriculum, programs and activities by working in relationship with Indigenous students and community.”

UNews - Heather Davis-Fisch

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