As I enter my third year as Dean here at UCSC, I am excited about all we've accomplished so far in the Arts.

This past year we've opened new opportunities for students, for research and for making rich connections with our colleagues across the divisions.

Here's just a brief summary of what we've achieved this past year:

* five new Research Centers, including the OpenLab collaboration with the sciences, the Force Majeure project, and the Center for Social Practice, 

* new graduate programs underway, including a Theater Arts MA and an Art Department MFA

* three senior faculty recruitments underway— in Art, Music and Theater Arts

* the Sesnon Gallery celebrated its 40th anniversary

* with the hire of Senior Development Director, Monica Grant, our development team is now complete

* the Social Documentation program is now part of our Film & Digital Media Department

* two new Film & Digital Media faculty have joined the Arts

* a new roof was raised on the Barn Theater

* new lighting platforms are coming to the SSC glen

* a successful Film Symposium brought over $26,000 in new donations to the Arts

I’m proud of the fact that the future University Museum for the Arts and Sciences is now firmly in place as one of only four projects targeted for the Chancellor’s Comprehensive Campaign.

I just returned from Los Angeles and a film mixer honoring and deepening ties with our alumni active in the arts and entertainment communities.

Check back for updates on what’s happening in the Arts, and visit our Arts Facebook page for news and activities.