UNews - Faculty of Fine Arts

Discover how governments have used art as a means of diplomacy at opening PUBlic Professor series talk

trevor.kenney — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:32:43 +0000

Visiting an art gallery or museum can be awe-inspiring and educational, but did you ever expect it could also be political?

Dr. Anne Dymond, art historian and Chair of the Department of Art at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, will explore the mobilization of Canada’s art and museums for political purposes during the first PUBlic Professor Series lecture of the 2025-26 season on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Galt Museum & Archives. A presentation for Calgary audiences has also been scheduled Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at the Esker Foundation.

Art historian Dr. Anne Dymond will present talks in both Lethbridge and Calgary.

Dymond’s talk, From a Communist Doctor to Madonna’s Cone Bra: Museums and Cultural Diplomacy in Troubled Times, will examine how governments have used art as a means of diplomacy, acting as a bridge that connects nations across challenging divides.

“Of course, museums are for displaying and preserving our cultural heritage, but they’ve also always been political tools for the governments that fund them,” says Dymond. “In this talk I’m going to look at Canada’s use of art and art exhibitions to forge an international identity, particularly in the 1970s when the country was taking a new place on the world stage.”

Dymond notes that Canada was one of the world’s first countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China in 1970, and art exhibitions between the two nations played a big role in bridging cultural and political divides.

“From Inuit prints to the creation of new museums, Canada was very active in using cultural diplomacy as a form of soft power,” she says. “More recently the federal government has pulled back from supporting this type of cultural diplomacy, but certain provincial governments have stepped up and, in particular, Quebec has been promoting a Francophone identity abroad by using art and art exhibitions.”

Dymond is a dedicated teacher who has been a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors Teaching Chair and has served on the Board of Governors. Her ongoing work supporting refugees garnered her both the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Senate Volunteer Award and the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award. Her book, Diversity Counts: Gender, Race, and Representation in Canadian Art Galleries, is the first large-scale quantitative assessment of gender and ethnicity in Canadian art galleries and was described as “a path-breaking study and an invaluable contribution to our understanding of the contemporary art scene in Canada.”

The annual PUBlic Professor Series lectures spark thought-provoking discussions on the most relevant topics of the day, bringing together a diverse group of experts and researchers from across campus and into the community. Every talk is free of charge. For a look at the full series, visit ulethbridge.ca/research/public-professor.

2025-26 PUBlic Professor Series

From a Communist Doctor to Madonna’s Cone Bra: Museums and Cultural Diplomacy in Troubled Times — Dr. Anne Dymond, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 — Galt Museum & Archives

Cockwombles, Cornucopias and the Curious Task of Economics — Dr. Danny Le Roy, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 — Agri-Food Hub & Trade Centre

Has AI Made Teachers Obsolete? — Dr. Richelle Marynowski — Thursday, November 27, 2025 — Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge

Playing Telephone with Eyewitness Evidence — Dr. Jamal Mansour, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 — The Owl Acoustic Lounge

Indigenous Childhood Stories Transform Worlds – Want Some? — Dr. Don McIntyre, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 — Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge

Legalized Gambling in Canada: Winners and Losers — Dr. Robert Williams — Thursday, March 26, 2026 — Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge

Unique research collaboration sees fine arts summer class support neuroscience project

trevor.kenney — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 17:33:57 +0000

Instead of preparing for the stage, students in drama instructor Dave Smith’s summer class are practicing for brain health research in an innovative research collaboration between the fine arts and the sciences at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Smith’s course, Theatre for Scientific Purposes, is a hands-on class that has fine arts students writing, designing and executing structured scenes in support of Dr. Chelsea Ekstrand’s (neuroscience) research project.

Fine arts students run through a scene that will be viewed by study participants.

“What’s really cool about this class is we have students with all different focuses enrolled,” says Smith. “Some are designers/technicians, some are performers/directors but all of them are contributing to the project in every capacity. They come ready to work, and really show their dedication to the class, and more importantly, to the project.”

Ekstrand is studying how memories are formed and the processes used to retrieve memories in real-world environments. She received a $100,000 Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research grant in partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to support her work.

“This collaboration is an exciting step into a new kind of research, one where science and storytelling come together, and where we study the brain not in isolation, but in the richness of real life,” says Ekstrand. “By working together, we’re making the science feel more grounded, more powerful, and more deeply connected to what it means to be human.”

The goal of Ekstrand’s work is to better understand the neural processes behind memory formation in both healthy older adults and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that frequently precedes dementia.

Study participants wear body cameras to capture scenes played by drama students in Smith’s course. Participants then recall the scenes while in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) machine to compare brain activity during real-life experiences with passive viewing of the same scenes on a screen.

“If we really want to understand how people think, remember and connect, we need to move beyond the lab and into the kinds of everyday experiences that actually shape our lives,” says Ekstrand. “Working with the artists in this class has been a powerful reminder that human experience is more than what we can quantify. They bring emotional insight, nuance and a sense of narrative that challenges me to think differently about how we study memory and connection. For the students, I think it’s a rare opportunity to step into the world of science while using their creativity to create scenes that are both emotionally rich and scientifically rigorous.”

For multidisciplinary student Danica Sommer, contributing to leading-edge research and expanding the ways theatre can be utilized is something in which she feels lucky to contribute.

“This course has put me in a unique professional context that is both challenging and rewarding. Working as a team, being flexible and delivering results under a time crunch are experiences both theatre professionals and scientific researchers are familiar with.”

Smith adds that theatre and drama programs tend to be more cross-disciplinary than commonly thought.

“The number of students who leave our drama program and get jobs in all kinds of positions not just pertaining to theatre is remarkable,” he says. “Having courses like this help to articulate the need for creative minds to mix with analytical minds.”

Neuroscience student Zeth Stewart is bridging the educational gaps between art and science and bringing depth and meaning to the scientific method.

“We can’t forget that the arts are a fundamental part of life. This course brought those personal, lived experiences into the conversation in a meaningful way, while still grounding the discussion in the scientific method,” Stewart says. “As a student with a passion for both understanding human behaviour and theatrically expressing it, this class was a wonderful blend of empirical analysis and the subjective experience.”

“Collaborations like this spark the kind of innovation that just wouldn’t happen if we stayed in our separate lanes,” concludes Ekstrand. “It pushes us all, students and faculty alike, to get a little uncomfortable, take risks and discover new ways of thinking and creating.”

Once Ekstrand’s research has concluded, she anticipates sharing her results in scientific journals, presenting at research conferences and developing community resources to share with the public.

This research collaboration is an example of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Strategic Plan in action under the strategic direction to Challenge Boundaries and Inspire Curiosity. In teaching and learning, ULethbridge takes a liberal education approach that fosters valuable interdisciplinary exchanges, connections and discoveries.

This project has been made possible by the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative arrangement between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada) and Brain Canada Foundation, in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

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.

Helping students thrive from day one, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ names Dr. Aaron Taylor Board of Governors Teaching Chair

trevor.kenney — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:14:08 +0000

Drama professor Dr. Aaron Taylor is advancing student success by developing resilience, executive functioning and essential skills like time management and communication in new and first-year students. His efforts have led to him being named the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s 2025 Board of Governors Teaching Chair.

Known for his dynamic teaching style and commitment to critical dialogue, Taylor builds inclusive, collaborative learning environments that help students find success from the beginning of their academic journey.

The Board of Governors Teaching Chair recognizes teaching excellence and the scholarship of teaching and learning at ULethbridge. Taylor will be recognized at Spring 2025 Convocation, Ceremony III, on, May 30, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the Centre for Sport and Wellness gymnasium.

Dr. Aaron Taylor

Taking a nuanced approach to student growth and resiliency, Department of Drama Professor Dr. Aaron Taylor deeply understands the challenges faced by students and the need to support them beyond classroom learning. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and critically rigorous pedagogy, Taylor is ensuring students are prepared to excel in post-secondary environments and in their later careers from the moment they step foot on campus.

Taylor is a cinema and media studies scholar who focuses on screen acting, cognitive film theory and transmedia relations between film and comics. Since joining the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in 2007, Taylor has built a reputable pedagogy that distinguishes him as a standout professor and mentor. He received a Teaching Fellowship in 2017 and was recognized as a Tier 2 Board of Governors Research Chair in 2019, his teaching methods focused on creating an environment of critical conversation, openness and dialogue.

Lauded by students and peers for his dynamic and engaging teaching style, Taylor strives to facilitate learning through open environments and conversations where students feel comfortable sharing ideas and making thoughtful and well-reasoned judgments in their work. Taylor meticulously designs his courses to encourage collaboration and move students from routine memorization to truly understanding and transforming what they learn.

With a long history of making significant and meaningful contributions to the culture of teaching excellence, Taylor’s ability to appeal to a diverse range of students creates safe, positive and enjoyable learning experiences for many.

Taylor often serves as students’ first instructor in post-secondary education, frequently teaching large introductory courses. Through this role, he has gained insight into the challenges new students face and has identified a need to build resilience and executive function skills. In a post-secondary setting, resilience refers to the ability to adapt to and overcome academic and social setbacks.

Recognizing a lack of essential skills like time management, self-confidence and communication in new and first-year university students, Taylor aims to systematically cultivate resilience in first-year students to help them succeed and flourish. Inspired by the StartSmart program at ULethbridge, which identifies opportunities for growth and institutional assistance in first-year students, Taylor hopes to support students’ growth in demanding learning environments.

Taylor proposes to explore multiple strategies during his Board of Governors Teaching Chair project — from creating an interdisciplinary working group to identifying core executive function skills to integrate into foundational courses, to developing a post-secondary transition program that builds upon and synthesizes existing transitional programs at ULethbridge, such as the Indigenous Student Success Certificate, the Early Start Experience, StartSmart and the Global Citizenship Cohort.

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.

Exploring our attachment to sentimental songs the focus of upcoming PUBlic Professor Series presentation

trevor.kenney — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 20:24:28 +0000

**This event is at capacity**

We all have them, those emotional connections to pop songs from the soundtrack of our past. They invoke real feelings when you catch them on the radio or are featured in TV and movie productions. You might even feel a little guilty admitting they still tug at your emotions — why?

Dr. Emily Gale, an assistant professor of musicology/ethnomusicology in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Department of Music, will examine these sentimental songs and why we should take our sounded feelings seriously in her PUBlic Professor Series talk, Sentimental Songs for Sentimental People, Thursday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m., at The Owl Acoustic Lounge (free event, cash bar, everyone welcome).

Dr. Emily Gale's PUBlic Professor talk will take place at the Owl Acoustic Lounge.

“Feeling remains critical to how and why most listeners engage with popular song,” says Gale. “However, these same songs might be ones you are embarrassed to admit liking or connecting with, a guilty pleasure if you will. Why do we have these ideas and where do these judgments come from?”

Gale’s talk will look at the history of English language sentimental songs over the last 250 years, then focus on two examples of songs from the 1850s and 1960s and their unexpected political histories.

“What are the consequences of relegating sentimental songs to a denigrated status,” she asks. “I’ll then discuss why we should take these sounded feelings seriously.”

Gale’s book in progress, Sentimental Songs for Sentimental People: An Unheard History of US Popular Music, analyzes the politics of affect and sentimentality within US popular music from the late 18th century to the present. Chapters on love, youth, death, tears, home and feels tune in to the counter public reverberations of a repertory long-considered trite, and even embarrassing, revealing unlikely entanglements. She has been broadcasting radio shows about this research since 2019 (on SUB_ʇXƎʇ and on UCC98.3FM) and her voice appears as a pop commentator on NPR’s All Things Considered and in the Los Angeles Times.

This is the fifth of six talks in the annual PUBlic Professor Series lectures which feature thought-provoking discussions on the most relevant topics of the day, bringing together a diverse group of experts and researchers from across the ULethbridge campus and into the community. Every talk is free of charge, but registration is required. For those who cannot attend, the talk will be available on the ULethbridge YouTube channel following the presentation.

See more at ulethbridge.ca/research/public-professor.

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

Faculty of Fine Arts Signature Events to showcase student, alumni musical talent in upcoming concert series

trevor.kenney — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 21:24:41 +0000

Concerts to feature Global Drums, Collaborative Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and Wind Orchestra

Recognizing and celebrating the professional development and talents of student musicians and musical artists, the Faculty of Fine Arts’ Signature Events and Performance Series will wrap up 2024 with its annual fall concert series.

Audiences will experience energetic programs through diverse musical selections that showcase the talents of each ensemble.

Fall Concert Series

The Fall Concert Series features performances from Global Drums, the Collaborative Ensemble, the Jazz Ensemble and the Wind Orchestra.

Friday, Nov. 29 | 7:30 p.m. | ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

Global Drums presents: Lots More Than 12 Drummers Drumming

Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 7:30 p.m. | ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Collaborative Ensemble Concert

Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Wind Orchestra presents: Shadows Ablaze

Saturday, Dec. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Jazz Ensemble Concert

On Friday, Nov. 29, the ever-popular Global Drums ensemble will captivate audiences with a night of mash-ups and Christmas classics. This dynamic and harmonious blend of community and student percussionists are directed by conductor Adam Mason and assistant conductor Leo Brooks. Dive into a world of rhythmic diversity—from Brazilian samba and African beats to Chinese and steel band rhythms—as Global Drums leaves its indelible mark on the stage.

During the first week of December, our Collaborative Ensemble, Wind Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble will bring cheer and excitement with their respective concerts.

The Collaborative Ensemble, under the direction of Drs. Carolyn Herrington and Sandra Stringer, brings together pianists, guitarists, vocalists and instrumentalists in a concert performance that showcases the breadth of student musicians and highlights their exceptional talents. This group partners in duos to present beloved sonatas, captivating showpieces, opera arias and art songs, exploring the nuances of language, poetry, acoustics and musical balance. In a special collaboration, the ULethbridge Guitar Ensemble will be featured during this performance. The Collaborative Ensemble concert is free to attend, and all are welcome!

Prepare to be wowed by the powerful showcase of talent and musicality with the Wind Orchestra performance, led by Dr. Holly De Caigny, on Wednesday, Dec. 4. This 65-member ensemble features a mix of music majors and students from various disciplines, bringing passion and excellence to every performance. The evening’s program includes diverse wind band compositions such as A Mother of a Revolution by Omar Thomas, Peace Dancer by Jodie Blackshaw, Shadows Ablaze by Kathryn Salfelder and more.

Rounding out our slate of performances for 2024 is the Jazz Ensemble, led by Dr. Josh Davies, which blends contemporary and classic big band jazz in each performance. The Jazz Ensemble performs both on and off campus each year, often working with school audiences through concerts and workshops and regularly collaborating with guest artists in the community, creating dynamic and memorable performances.

Tickets for our concert performances are on sale now at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office (Monday - Friday, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.) or online: ulethbridge.ca/tickets.

Tickets are $20 adult, $15 alumni and senior, $10 student. ULethbridge students receive one complimentary ticket at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office with valid student ID.

More than $1 million in SSHRC grants to support vital social sciences and humanities research projects

caroline.zentner — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 15:23:51 +0000

Several ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researchers have received Insight and Insight Development grants worth more than $1 million through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Their projects will delve into varied topics including immigration, artist-run centres, charitable giving, Depression-era Canadian poetry, and medical assistance in dying (MAiD).

“Research in the social sciences and humanities plays an essential role in understanding and improving the human condition,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, vice-president of research at ULethbridge. “These grants enable our researchers to enrich cultural understanding, foster a deeper appreciation of human experiences and make an impact on the lives of everyday citizens.”

The following researchers have been awarded Insight Grants:

Dr. Debra Basil, a Dhillon School of Business professor of marketing, will look at the immigrant settlement experience in small to mid-sized cities in Western Canada and develop a community-based social marketing program to improve newcomer settlement experiences.

Dr. Devon Smither, associate dean in the Faculty of Fine Arts, plans to examine and document the history and impact of artist-run centres, which were created in the 1960s and 1970s as alternatives to commercial galleries.

Dr. Julia Brassolotto’s project focuses on the complexities of MAiD in Canada by examining the ethical issues surrounding MAiD through official government statements and lived experiences.

The following researchers have been awarded Insight Development Grants:

Dr. Hamid Akbary, a sociology professor, will examine potential biases in Canadian immigration policies and the public perception of refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Dr. David Hobbs, an English professor, looks to recover vital portions of Western Canadian literary culture from the Great Depression by examining the work of poet Dorothy Livesay.

Anthropology professor Dr. Jodie Asselin’s project centres on the transformation of culturally significant landscapes due to climate change and climate change mitigation measures. While such landscape change is occurring around the world, Asselin will focus on sites in rural Ireland to both record and acknowledge site loss and the implications for rural futures, providing a lesson applicable to communities across the global north.

Dr. Jessica Jacobson-Konefall, a Faculty of Fine Arts professor, plans to examine longstanding ancestral cultural forms as they appear in contemporary art in Winnipeg. The project brings attention to Anishinaabe, Eastern European and Caribbean diasporic arts.

Charities in Canada face increasing demand but many lack the resources to serve everyone. Dr. Rhiannon Mesler, a Dhillon School of Business professor at ULethbridge’s Calgary Campus, will look at consumer backlash to charities that accept donations from firms that generate their money by legal but morally questionable means, such as alcohol, tobacco, gambling or non-renewable energy, and how they might navigate the challenge.

The Research Support Fund supports a portion of the costs associated with managing the research funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, such as salaries for staff who provide administration support, training costs for workplace health and safety, maintenance of libraries and laboratories, and administrative costs associated with obtaining patents for inventions.

UNews - Faculty of Fine Arts

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