The Final Day of UARTs - a Rally for Accountability

#SaveUARTS

On June 7, 2024, I joined a passionate crowd of fellow alumni, students, and faculty at the University of the Arts for what could be its final day. Today the doors physically closed. As a 1995 graduate with a BFA in Painting and a certificate in Art Therapy, I found myself overwhelmed with emotion as we gathered for a crucial rally. Our purpose was clear and urgent: to save our institution and demand accountability from the Board of Directors whose decisions had led us to this precipice.

The air was charged with a mix of determination and disbelief as we raised our voices to draw attention to the lack of transparency and responsibility shown by the board. Signs and chants called for explanations, for last-minute interventions, for any action that might keep UArts' doors re-open.

As the day progressed, we participated in the final "Big Shot Photo" in front of Hamilton Hall. Hundreds of us - alumni spanning decades, current students, faculty, and staff - stood together on the steps and plaza, a sea of faces representing the rich history and diverse community of UArts. The iconic columns of Hamilton Hall loomed behind us, adorned with colorful banners showcasing the various arts disciplines taught within its walls.

This final photograph became more than just a memento; it was a visual petition, a statement of our unity and our refusal to let UArts fade away without a fight. Some held signs demanding answers from the board, others like me, wore UArts merchandise. The energy was palpable - a mix of defiance, nostalgia, and solidarity. This image, I realized, would be our last collective statement as a UArts community, a testament to the enduring spirit of the institution even in its final hours.

Looking around, I saw faces both familiar and new - old friends I hadn't seen in 30 years stood alongside recent graduates and current students. Alumni from the 1960s through this year's graduating class had come together, a living testament to the enduring impact of UArts across generations. Each person there represented a unique story, a creative journey that had been shaped by their time at UArts, and each was united in the desire to preserve this opportunity for future generations.

As we shared memories and voiced our concerns about the board's decisions, I found myself reflecting on my own time at UArts from 1991 to 1995. I remembered the vibrant, interdisciplinary community and my close friends, some lifelong that shaped me as an artist and as a human. The painting studios, the drawing classes, and the unexpected collaborations with dance and musical theater students all contributed to my growth.

Professors like Winnie Winston, David Kettner, and Gerry Herdman came to mind, along

with my impactful independent study with Susan in my senior year. These mentors, and many others, had pushed us to explore, create, and find our unique artistic voices. The thought of future students being denied these opportunities due to mismanagement and lack of accountability was heartbreaking.

As I stood there, I realized that not everyone, myself included, had always had the best experience at UArts, especially in the '90s. The challenges and struggles were real. However, seeing the extraordinary community gathered for this final rally, I had to admit that what we had was truly special. When I graduated, I had chosen to carry with me all the positive experiences and leave behind the negative. This approach allowed me to appreciate the unique education and connections I gained at UArts, a decision that felt more poignant than ever on this final day.

The potential closure of UArts is more than the loss of a school; it's the end of a place where creativity has thrived and artists have studied for generations. And the larger Arts community in Philadelphia that will be impacted. While the physical doors may be closing, seeing the diverse group of alumni gathered together reassured me that the spirit of UArts will live on through us. We carry with us the skills, passion, and creative spirit nurtured within those halls.

To my fellow alumni, our teachers, and all those who made UArts the extraordinary place it

was – thank you. Our shared experiences, both the triumphs and the challenges, have shaped us. The lessons learned and the community we built will forever be a part of us, guiding our creative journeys wherever they may lead.

As I left the rally there was some hope, but it felt very much final.