DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE As of July 1, 2018, the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arts Institute was renamed the Division of the Arts. A year-long process of consultation with multiple stakeholders laid the groundwork for this change, culminating in formal approval by the University Academic Planning Council in November 2017. In the words of the Secretary of the Faculty, this change stems from “the conviction that the Division of the Arts should possess the authority, visibility, autonomy, and resources commensurate with its role as the chief unit within the Office of the Provost responsible for connecting the arts within a vital and vibrant research university.…The name also reflects the division’s centrality as a coordinator or sponsor of arts research, collaborative and interdisciplinary teaching and learning, and outreach and service on campus and on a national and global scale.” As part of this transition the division has developed a new strategic plan, the highlights of which I am pleased to share with you here. Underlying this plan is the division’s commitment to advance the arts as an invaluable resource fueling the vital nature of the university and its wider community, and to promote all forms of artistic expression, experience, and interpretation as fundamental paths to engaging and understanding our world.
MISSION The Division of the Arts harnesses the power and potential of artistic explorations and expressions for the benefit of the university, the state of Wisconsin, and the world.
VISION We believe that designers, artists, architects, performers, and creative scholars are essential to solving complex problems and advancing society. Creativity not only enhances our culture, it broadens our perspective, deepens our understanding, and enables us to innovate, grow, and change. Our vision is underpinned by the notions of freedom of thinking and the sustenance of a healthy democratic environment through the “continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”
THE WISCONSIN IDEA “I SHALL NEVER BE CONTENT UNTIL THE
On, Wisconsin!
BENEFICENT INFLUENCE OF THE UNIVERSITY REACHES EVERY FAMILY OF THE STATE.” John Baldacchino
UW PRESIDENT CHARLES VAN HISE, 1905
Director of the Division of the Arts
artsdivision.wisc.edu | arts.wisc.edu |
: @uwmadisonarts