09 1 0
YEAR IN REVIEW Building on the creative cornerstones of + international excellence, + global outreach, + creative thinking, + research and scholarship, + innovative educational approaches, + community support and + student, alumni and local engagement, ACAD is poised to grow as a leading centre for education and research, and a catalyst for creative inquiry and cultural development. In 2009-2010, ACAD engaged the world and created possibilities – igniting innovative changes in the minds of our students
Message from the President 4 and our community. Message from the Chair of the Board of Governors 5 Mission 6 Vision + Values + Mandate 7 Year in review Creative Cornerstones 8 Exploring the Boundaries 12 Creative Thinking in Action 15 Areas of Study 18 Sharing the Creative Process 20 Inviting the World 23 The Global Classroom 25 Connected Community 27 Creating Possibilities MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Over the past 85 Brecht once wrote, creating art not only as “a mirror held “ up to reality, but rather a hammer with which to shape it”. years, in many Our community of established and emerging artists and designers have a responsibility in engaging tomorrow — forms and under our role is to question, to challenge, to stir our culture, and many names, to create new stories about what it means to be here. Any College, and any cultural centre, is by its very nature ACAD has become defined by the community of people which forms and a leading centre supports it. Our ACAD community — of artists and designers, of students and faculty, of community partners for cultural and of alumni ambassadors — has come together over the last year to create fertile ground for change, and for a new development, vision for ACAD’s future. I believe deeply that together, creative education, we will continue growing and evolving our educational commitment and our role in the creative future of our and innovative Province and our nation. thought. Over the last 25 years, since our official first days as an ” autonomous institution, ACAD has constantly showcased that evolution, that growth and innovation that defines a great institution. And over these last 25 years, the role of the Alberta College of Art + Design has been not only to Throughout our history, we have always existed produce individuals that can communicate through their to enhance artistic tradition, to push boundaries, art, but, as James Polisi, the President of the Julliard School in New to create challenging works of art and scholarship York writes “are knowledgeable about the intricacies of our society — politically, economically, socially, so that they can effectively work and to raise a critical discourse that instills in toward sharing the power of the arts to a nation and its people”. generations of students the values and techniques I look forward to our 25th anniversary as an autonomous College, and that will prepare them to have a rich and to ACAD’s future as a catalyst cultural and educational institution, and rewarding life in the art and design fields. I congratulate all those who’s work has made 2009 and 2010 such a great success. Our accomplishments are the foundation for our future, and the cultivation and nurturing of creative thinking is at the core of what we do. As you read Dr. Daniel Doz, through this year in review, you will get a glimpse of ACAD President + CEO how ACAD students, faculty and staff are as Berthold
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 4 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
As Chair of the This report allows us to share with you how ACAD’s 115 faculty, “ 81 staff and 1192 undergraduate students are telling new ACAD Board of stories about our world through art and design, and creating Governors, I take change through creative practice. great pleasure in During my time with ACAD’s Board of Governors, I have witnessed the exciting evolution of our College. I have seen how innovative introducing you change and growth has helped the College develop excellence in BOARD OF GOVERNORS to our 2009-2010 programming, gain student support, and continue to engage with as of June 30, 2010 communities — both locally and worldwide. ACAD Year in As the only post-secondary institution in the Prairie Provinces devoted LANCE CARLSON CYNTHIA P. MOORE exclusively to advanced education, practice and research in visual President + CEO, Alberta Review Report. G. BRADLEY MOORE ” culture, design and associated and emerging fields, we understand that College of Art + Design President, ACAD has a unique responsibility. I wish to extend my thanks to my DARREN DELICHTE SAGE Investment Advisors fellow Board members for their continued commitment and hard work, SVP, Executive Creative Director, to our accomplished faculty, students and alumni ambassadors, and to SHEILA O’BRIEN Critical Mass the many cultural, political and business organizations which support President, our vision of becoming a preeminent institution for innovation, research MARTY KAUFMAN Belvedere 1 Investments and excellence in visual arts, design and emerging cultural fields. Faculty Representative JAMES PEACOCK, Q.C. to the Board The Alberta College of Art + Design’s Annual Report for the year Chair, ACAD ended June 30, 2010 was prepared under the Board’s direction JOSEPH LEUNG Board of Governors in accordance with the Government Accountability Act and the President & CEO, Lawyer and Partner, Gowling Marquis Communities Ministerial Guidelines established pursuant to the Government Lafleur Henderson LLP Development, Inc. Accountability Act. All material economic, environmental and fiscal KATE PETERSON implications of which we are aware have been considered in the SHANE MAHAR Staff Representative presentation of this report. Student Representative to the Board to the Board Sincerely yours, YVES TRÉPANIER MARGARET-JEAN MANNIX Owner, TrépanierBaer Gallery Inc. President Family Office, Loram 99 Corporation SUE ANNE VALENTINE Partner, ROXANNE MCCAIG James Peacock, Q.C. Rooney Cronin and Valentine, REMAX Real Estate Central Chair, ACAD Board of Governors
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS 5 MISSION
ACAD is a leading centre for education and research, and a catalyst for creative inquiry and cultural development. We engage the world and create possibilities.
SECTION 6 We value the creative process and all that is implied by that.
VISION VALUES MANDATE
The Alberta College of Art + Design will • We value the creative process and all that is implied The Alberta College of Art + Design, located in Calgary, Alberta, be a preeminent catalyst institution for by that. Canada, is a public, board-governed college operating as a Specialized cultural development locally, provincially, Arts and Culture Institution under the authority of the Post-secondary • We are deeply committed to experimentation, nationally, and internationally. We will Learning Act of Alberta. As the only post secondary institution in free inquiry, research, and the evolution of culture. manifest unconditional excellence in our the prairie provinces devoted exclusively to advanced education, programs, practices, and policies in a • We demand excellence in our practices, our practice, and research in visual culture, design, and associated and laboratory environment that is committed support for our students, faculty, and staff, and emergent fields, the Alberta College of Art + Design offers four- to unconstrained inquiry and collegiality. our external communities. year undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees, preparing As a place of cultural research, we are all learners for careers in visual culture and design. The College is a • Our support for human and professional development colleagues on a journey of discovery center of excellence in education and research in line arts, crafts, is reflected in our policies, practices, and programs. while enhancing our leadership role design, media arts + digital technologies, and related liberal studies, within the cultural field. We aspire only to • We value our role in the society; we seek innovative and supports lifelong learning through its credit and non-credit the highest level of excellence in what we paths for participation for the College, our students, continuing education programming. The College is committed to the endeavor, measured not by our past alumni, and faculty and staff. principles outlined in the framework of Campus Alberta which calls accomplishments but by our imaginations for an approach to advanced learning in Alberta that is responsive, • We value the joy and good humor that derives and what is humanly possible. innovative, high-quality, accessible, and focused on meeting the needs from being a creative institution; we believe in a of the learner. Acting as a local, provincial, national, and international celebration of our creative processes. visual culture resource and through research, the College is a producer • We value calculated risk-taking and entrepreneurship. of original knowledge leading to cultural development. Its public activities are designed to enhance the general awareness of the • We are all learners, working together in a transparent College and advance knowledge and understanding of the importance environment that is willing to embrace change. of visual culture and design to the economic, cultural, and social life of • We value diversity in all respects, including the communities and society that it serves. philosophical, cultural, lifestyle, as well as definitions that are more conventional.
MISSION + VISION + VALUES + MANDATE 7 Creative Cornerstone {No. 1} EXPLORING THE BOUNDARIES
We contribute innovative faculty research and scholarly activity to the discussion.
SECTION 8 ACAD’s faculty members are some of the best artists, designers and critical thinkers in Canada and the creation of original works of art, design and scholarship is only one way in which they continue to contribute to the creative academic community – as artists and designers they are also active and involved community members, reaching out into our city and across the world with their practice and their involvement in collaborative exhibitions.
Each year, Creative Cornerstone {No. 1} EXPLORING THE BOUNDARIES ACAD inspires Jewellery + Metals change and enhances the definition of creative In 2009-2010, our ACAD faculty has remained • Chris Willard (Painting) authored Sundre, published thinking engaged both in the studio and beyond, contributing by Esplanade Books/Vehicule Press, Little White a record number of scholarly and research publications Squirrel Angel, in the Broken Pencil Anthology, and through the to the dialogue about creative thinking, cultural Compensation: Double Lives, Reinvention and Those production and art and design practice. Here is a small We Leave Behind, published by Wising Up Press. research and sample of this important contribution. • John Cavelli (Liberal Studies) contributed scholarly • Jesse Sherburne’s (First Year Studies) publication Unsustainable Histories: Models of Practice to Design Lateral Learning was a collaborative look at Philosophy Papers 3 and Design History Education activity of our community and collaborative methods of learning. and the Use of the Design Brief As An Interpretive Framework for Sustainable Practice to Proceedings outstanding • Laura Vickerson (Fibre) was featured in Art Textiles (Design Research Society 2010). faculty group, of the World, a volume published in England focusing on Canadian artists (based on an exhibition of the • Chris Cran (Painting), contributed two articles for and our behind same title). Canadian Art Magazine: The Iconoclast (John Will), and Close Up (Mark Mullen) for the Spring and • Greg Payce (Ceramics) contributed a chapter to the scenes Summer issues of 2010 respectively. Masters of Earthenware. staff and • Laurel Johanneson (Drawing) contributed Acqua • Rik Zak (VCD) contributed to a variety of Vellutata Sospesa — Interactive Video Painting publications, including Design School Confidential: administration. to ACM MM 10: Proceedings of the International Extraordinary Class Projects From the International Conference on Multimedia, Florence Italy. Design Schools, Colleges and Institutes, Encyclopedia of Contemporary Chinese Culture (Encyclopedias • Alex Link (Liberal Studies) contributed Rabbit at of Contemporary Culture), The Wild Years: Four the Riverside: Names and impossible Crossings Decades of Shaping Visual Culture at the Visual Arts in Hemmingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls in Gallery (work which included an exhibition). The Hemmingway Review and The Mysteries of Postmodernism, or, Frederic Jameson’s Gothic Plots • George Webber (Photography) created Last Call by to Theorizing the Gothic. George Webber, published by RMB.
EXPLORING THE BOUNDARIES 9 VCD
Glass
Fibre
• Judy Sterner (Liberal Studies) contributed Pots, design in Canada today. Some of the many faculty • Mackenzie Frere (Fibre), Recollect, Binenial Stones and Potsherds: Shrines in the Mandra exhibitions in 2009-2010 included: International du Lin, Quebec; East and West: Mountains (North Cameroon and Northwestern Contemporary Fibres and Textiles, Art Gallery • Dick Averns (Painting), Ambivalence Blvd, Vernon Nigeria to Shrines of African Societies and Caste, and Studio, Montana US and (Re)Fashioning Fibre, Public Art Gallery, Vernon; Alberta House 2010 Hairlocks and Charcoal Burials: Migration and Green Spaces, New York US. Olympic Exhibition, curated by Alberta Foundation Diffusion In and Around the Mandara Mountains to for the Arts and Agitprop 10, curated by Dermot • Mark Mullin (First Year Studies), Fictitious Device, Migrations et Mobilite Dans Le Bassin Du Lac Tchad. Wilson and exhibited through Canada and US. Paul Kuhn Gallery, Calgary. • Bozenna Wisniewska (Liberal Studies) contributed • Greg Payce (Ceramics), Meaning and Metaphore: • Chris Willard (Painting), The Last Book, Disrobing a Demagogue and The Inhabitants of Highlights from the AGNS Contemporary Ceramic Zentralbibliothek, Zurich Switzerland. Memory Chambers to the National Conference on Collection, Halifax Nova Scotia; Seduced By Clay, Liberal Arts and the Education of Artists. • Chris Willard (Painting), HK Affordable Art Show, Ontario Crafts Council Gallery, Toronto; New Works Neo-Minimalism and Art For Food, Herringer Kiss • Mireille Peron (Liberal Studies) contributed In the Permanent Collection, The Nickle Arts Gallery, Calgary. 2010: Afterword: Tacit Evolution and Calgary Museum, Calgary; and Dissolving Views, Unity and Atelier of Jewellery and Metals (CAJM) to Links: Diversity, Cheongju Biennial (Korea) and Cultural • Greg Gerla (Photography), Lumen, Summit Fine Art, A Collective Knowledge and Some Day My Prints Olympiad, Vancouver. Calgary. Will Come… as a catalogue essay for the 2009 • June Hills (Student Experience), Making Our Mark, • George Webber (Photography), Kainai: People of ACAD Print Media Portfolio. Roberto Ostberg Gallery, Calgary. the Blood, The Whyte Museum, Banff; Local Colour, • Dick Averns (Painting) contributed War Art in the Provincial Legislature of Alberta, Edmonton and LUZ • Gord Ferguson (Sculpture), The Dilated Garden, Face of the Project for the New American Century: Retrospective, LUZ Gallery, Victoria. The Nickle Arts Museum, Calgary. A Postmodern Rake’s Progress to Crossing Cultures: • Robyn Moody (MADT), Robyn Moody, Hardanger Conflict, Migration, Convergence and In Deference • Laurel Johannesson (Drawing), Happiness Machines, Kunstsenter, Norway; sciencefictionsciencefair, of a New Diabolique to the Diabolique catalogue, RISE Berlin, Berlin Germany. Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery, Kitchener Ontario; Dunlop Art Gallery. • Mariko Paterson (Ceramics), An Affair to Remember, Life in The 2 Field, Truck Gallery, Calgary; TARDIS • Jane Kidd (Fibre) contributed Handwork as a Alberta Crafts Council, Edmonton. et constellation, Espace Virtuel, Quebec; Power, Conceptual Strategy to the proceedings of the 12th PAVED Arts, Saskatoon and Art’s Birthday 2010, • Tyler Rock (Glass), Slanguage, Harbourfront Centre, Textile Society of America Biennial Symposium. EM Media, Calgary. Toronto and Frontier, Art Mur Gallery, Montreal. • Robert Geyer (Glass) contributed articles on Living • Chris Cran (Painting), Six New Works, TrépanierBaer • Natali Rodrigues (Glass), Proximity and Touch, Glass History, and glass artist Irene Frolic to the Gallery, Calgary; If Something Appears to be Alberta Crafts Council, Edmonton. September issue of Contemporary Canadian Glass. Photographic, It Is, TrépanierBaer Gallery, Calgary; • Mireille Peron (Liberal Studies), Laboratory of Hot Plate: International Printmaking Exhibition, Though exhibitions, installations, performance Feminist Pataphysics Presents: Atèliers of the Near Phoenix Brighton Gallery, England; Celebrity Icons: and print, our faculty continue to lead the critical Future, Stride Gallery, Calgary. Pop Art From the University of Lethbridge Collection, discourse surrounding the practice and role of art and
EXPLORING THE BOUNDARIES 10 First Year Studies
MADT
Sculpture
Okotoks Art Gallery, Alberta and Times Up Jackal, • Renata Liwska (VCD) was awarded a gold medal • Tanya Rusnak (Drawing) was awarded a Visual Art Point To My Eyes, Clint Roenisch Gallery, Toronto. from the American Society of Illustrators for her work Project Grant from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts THE QUIET BOOK which debuted at number five on for her project Crystallization and Drift, 2009-2010. • Richard Edwards (Painting), The Heart of Darkness… the New York Times Bestseller List. Representations of Nature, UAS Main Space Gallery, • Natali Rodrigues (Glass) was invited to participate in Calgary. • Derek Michael Besant was awarded the Grand Prix a residency in North Lands Creative Glass, Scotland. of the sixth International Biennial Contemporaine • Bozenna Wisniewska (Liberal Studies), Inhabiting The role of the educator extends beyond the support presented in Québec during the Cultural Capital City Spaces (curator and catalogue author), Centre and nurturing of our students — with support from in Canada 2009 event. for Contemporary Art, Gdansk Poland; Museu de ACAD funding, faculty members play an essential role Faculdade de Belas Artes, Porto Portugal; Porvoon • Kevin Kurytnik (VCD) was nominated for the Calgary in the development of new theories and practices Taidehalli, Porvoo Finland; Triangle Gallery, Calgary. International Film Festival’s “Best of Alberta” award within the academic world of art and design. for his short film Intergalactic Who’s Who. • Darlene Lee (MADT), TEDWomen — Reshaping the • In 2009–2010, ACAD’s Faculty Professional Affairs Future, Washington DC and TED2010 — What the • Alan Dunning (MADT), Robert Geyer (Glass), Walter Fund supported faculty members in their national World Needs Now, Calgary. May (Sculpture), Rita McKeough (MADT), Chris Millar and international research work, allowing for 34 (Painting), Justin Waddell (FYS) and Chris Willard faculty to attend conferences in Edmonton, Banff • Robert Geyer (Glass), Breakthrough Ideas in Global (Painting) were each selected to participate in the and Montreal, and to travel to exhibitions in Venice, Glass (BIGG), The Ohio State University Urban Arts Timeland Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art, 2010. London, Poland, Portugal and France. Space, Columbus Ohio and Calgary Glass Now, Triangle Gallery, Calgary. • Laurel Johannesson (Drawing) was invited to be • The ACAD Marion Fund supported research work Visiting Artist and Scholar at the American Academy by Alan Dunning, Adam Tindale and Kurtis Lesick Our faculty are recognized around the world, and at in Rome. titled CIRO (Complex Input/Rational Output). CIRO home. Each year, ACAD faculty members continue explored the implications of current hardware to be honored by the external community for their • Dick Averns (Painting) participated as one of five and software available for multi-touch interfaces, practice and their talent. artists in the Canadian Forces Artist Program, and apply these in the development of new tools working with peacekeepers near Gaza, and • Tyler Rock (Glass) Katrina Chaytor (Ceramics) and and technologies for the creation of artworks and developing work for a series of exhibitions. Joan Irvin (Jewellery + Metals) were three of the commercial products. recipients of the 2009 Alberta Craft Council Awards, • George Webber (Photography) was recognized with • An artist collective including faculty members in recognition of the value and contribution of the Gold Award, Photojournalism and Photo Essay Walter May, Marc Hutchinson, Laura Vickerson and individuals to Alberta fine craft culture. by the National Magazine Awards (Canada), and three Diana Sherlock received funding and support from Awards of Excellence from the Society of News Design. • Robyn Moody (MADT) was nominated for the the ACAD Marion Fund to work in an experimental prestigious Sobey Art Award, celebrating artists • Walter May (Sculpture) was selected as an residency in a chateau in Normandy (France), throughout Canada. international visiting artist to participate in the culminating in a book work and exhibition in 2012. Djerassi Resident Artists Program in California. • Chris Cran (Painting) was the recipient of a 2010 Canada Council Grant (established artist).
EXPLORING THE BOUNDARIES 11 Creative Cornerstone {No. 2} CREATIVE THINKING IN ACTION We support and promote the creative experimentation of student artists and designers.
SECTION 12 ACAD students are some of Canada’s most exciting emerging artists and designers, and their success throughout their studies and as they move into professional practice in many fields of endeavor is our greatest priority.
ACAD students Creative Cornerstone {No. 2} CREATIVE THINKING IN ACTION come to their Photography studies as visually talented and creative thinkers, but it is through • This year, ACAD supported students in all years of Our student enrollment continues to grow to record the transformative study with over $284,000 in student scholarships, high numbers, with over 1100 students enrolled at bursaries and entrance awards. ACAD in fall 2009. experience of • We celebrated the success of our graduates, • The average age of our students is 23, and 69% are their four years awarding the ACAD Board of Governor’s Awards female. With 1078 full time and 87 part time students to a student from each area of study at our annual in the fall of 2009, our campus continues to be at ACAD that they convocation ceremony. We applaud the following populated by unique and diverse voices. students for their work and their commitment to their • In 2010, the Alberta College of Art + Design become innovative practice: Julia Krueger (Ceramics), Gabriel Staples graduating class included 185 members, more than (Drawing), Anne Fetterly (Fibre), Heidi Holt (Glass), problem solvers, any year in the College’s history. Megan Jones (J+M), Xin Yun Bao (MADT), Diane entrepreneurial Gordon (Painting), Ryan Mathieson (Photography), Unique and creative, our students are explorers, Sarah Malik (Sculpture) and Julia Tiller (VCD). innovators and creators willing to take on challenges artists and in all their fields of endeavor. We applaud their work, • We recognize excellence in our student’s work, and their passion for creative thinking. designers, and and in their creative development. This year, many creative story awards were given to deserving students. Some of • This May, ACAD students donated more than $3,000 the highlights include the Teatro New York Studio of new and gently used art supplies to Arts Can, an tellers — adept Prize (awarded to Dana Buzzee), the Stanford Perrott organization that supports artists who are new to Innovative Project Scholarship (awarded to Graham Canada, here in Calgary. at the making of Krenz and Lowell Smith), the Illingworth Kerr Travel • We have our eye on international change: this year and Study Scholarship (awarded to Jasmine Herron), meaning, as well as ACAD students Gerry Straathof and Jen Somerville and the President’s Circle New York Studio Prize represented ACAD at the 2009 Solar Abode (awarded to Karly Mortimer). understanding the competition on the Main Mall in Washington DC. meaning of making.
CREATIVE THINKING IN ACTION 13 First Year Studies
VCD
Photography
ACAD joined four other post-secondary institutions Our student’s work was also showcased in our Justice Bicycle in Calgary to design, build and operate a ground Marion Nicoll Gallery, a student-operated space Male Grooming in the March for Progress breaking solar-powered home, competing against November 21, 2009 - January 20, 2010 schools from around the world for the top prize. which provides a unique context for education Marion Nicoll Gallery | +15 Window and experimentation among the students • Our students are taking home the prize in many Pamma FitzGerald competitions, including the Calgary Ad Rodeo — a attending the Alberta College of Art + Design. Les Contes de Fées celebration of the best in advertising here in Calgary. The MNG provides a link between educational September 20 - November 20, 2009 ACAD students took home the top awards in the and professional environments, fostering critical Marion Nicoll Gallery | +15 Window Space Student Work category. dialogue with public exhibitions in settings both RE:Light • With the award winning work of VCD students Josiah on and off campus. Cailey Buye Bilagot and Ian Liu, ACAD took to the world stage May 24 - September 25, 2010 at the One Show in New York. These two students Links: A Collective Knowledge Marion Nicoll Gallery | LRT Space May 12, 2010 were the only Canadian students to be selected in all Steven Cottingham Marion Nicoll Gallery | ACAD categories, and were selected as finalists in one of the Lovers most competitive categories in the show. The Onion Skin Project April 8 - May, 2010 Anne Fetterly • MADT student Andy Yang won first place in the Marion Nicoll Gallery | LRT Space May 29 - October 2, 2010 BMO Financial Group 1st Art! Invitational student art Bad Beef and VS Marion Nicoll Gallery | Epcor Centre +15 Window competition, with his piece “Thrill Seeking”. Andy’s Pioneer Whiskey work was part of a national travelling exhibition, and Rachel Betts-Wilmott January 14, 2010 was featured in Canadian Art Magazine. The Altar of the Goose, Marion Nicoll Gallery | LRT Space the Camel and the Giraffe • ACAD Students Lionel Cipriano and Allison Toohey Lowell Smith March 28 - May 21, 2010 helped launch one of Calgary’s most anticipated new This is Complex Marion Nicoll Gallery | Epcor Centre +15 Window print magazines: Conglomerate. September 1 - October 31, 2009 Mynthia McDaniel Marion Nicoll Gallery | LRT • Glass student Jaime Grey was recognized as the Marcus and Mary Mould winner of the Emerge Academic Award at the January 24 - March 27, 2010 annual Bullseye Convention (an international glass Marion Nicoll Gallery | +15 Window convention with representation from schools around the world). Jaime joins winners from Australia, Israel, the US and the UK.
CREATIVE THINKING IN ACTION 14 Creative Cornerstone {No. 3} AREAS OF STUDY We offer cutting edge, individualized and leading curriculum programming.
SECTION 15 Our students explore their potential in the world class studio settings of our 11 areas of study and in their own private studio space, developing their art and design practice through exploration, experimentation and collaboration with award winning faculty and exciting students. And they explore their world through art and design, supported by the foundations of liberal studies, studio practice, and community collaboration.
Students Creative Cornerstone {No. 3} AREAS OF STUDY at ACAD MADT experience Painting one-on-one mentorship with some The Media Arts + Digital Technologies (MADT) major The Sculpture major of Canada’s offers a new-media education through the lens of encourages students to artistic practice. Students are offered the opportunity explore the widest range of most talented to explore the creative use of emerging electronic, sculptural possibilities, from traditional figure modeling digital, interactive and motion media in the wide to contemporary installation and performance art, and renowned range of hybrid areas arising out of new technologies. kinetic and interactive objects, or constructions that professional With a new institute (CEC3) producing touch screen may employ video, audio or digital components. technologies in 2009, and the Vulcan Enterprise Our sculpture program is a vibrant and busy area, artists and Project in 2010, this year has been one of evolution and with students traveling on an exchange to Mexico growth MADT. New programming, new initiatives, new as a large group, staging solo and group shows in designers. technology for students and exciting faculty research the Ivan Gallery (a small dedicated studio space on make this area of study current and innovative. campus), and engaging in a series of new technical workshops with faculty from many programs. The Painting major at ACAD engages students as disciplined studio practitioners in the context of Through a diverse and flexible curriculum, the Fibre contemporary art. Students examine diverse historical major supports the investigation of traditional, and contemporary approaches to painting — its experimental and interdisciplinary approaches to materials, techniques, subject matter and theory. This fibre practice, covering a broad range of processes year, ACAD’s Painting major increased enrollment, with that are explored in two- and three-dimensional form. many students taking advantage of study opportunities This year, new curriculum was offered with a focus on abroad. With many students from Painting going on contemporary topics in fibre and students organized a to graduate studies, the Painting major continues to study trip to New Mexico to learn more about weaving adapt teaching and learning strategies to provide new and dyeing technique. The Fibre major also welcomed opportunities for students. our community to Fibre Fortnight, an extensive exhibition of student work, and public lecture series.
AREAS OF STUDY 16 VCD
Sculpture
Fibre
Jewellery + Metals
Ceramics
ACAD’s Photography major supports the use of The Drawing major offers experience and opportunities The Print Media major emphasizes an understanding photography from multiple perspectives as a vehicle for personal exploration in the visual language of of historical and contemporary print processes, for commercial activity, visual communication, social drawing. Studio research ranges from work that is the acquisition of printing skills, and ability to commentary, self-expression, creativity, criticality, traditional in its approach to that which challenges the make innovative choices related to conceptual and cultural awareness, experimentation, and collaboration. very notion of drawing while it embraces other areas material exploration including book illustration, In 2009-2010, our students participated in improved of expression. Students are introduced to a broad engraving, etching, silkscreen, lithography, woodblock, technical training, and an expanded visiting artist spectrum of traditional and contemporary media, photography, digital technology, multimedia, print program alongside professional faculty members. techniques, subject matter, and theory that will assist portfolios, and artist’s books. This year, visiting artists, them in developing a personal definition of drawing as student exchange exhibitions, travel scholarships, The Visual Communications Design (VCD) major well as critical and conceptual approaches to their work. field trips, special projects and technical research provides a professional background for students in complemented the print major area of study. advertising, graphic design, illustration, and character The Glass major at ACAD encourages the integration of design through specialized program streams. Each various aspects of glass working into the development In the Ceramics major, outstanding faculty members — stream is grounded in a commitment to practice, solid of an individual studio practice for each student. including international visiting artists — educate drawing and visualization skills, and industry relevance. Throughout 2009-2010, the Glass program’s team- students in traditional and experimental approaches Through course work complemented by Liberal Studies taught courses allowed students in every year of study to the medium through course work in the process, courses in design history, writing and storytelling, a more fluid contact with internationally recognized technologies and aesthetic issues of contemporary students develop an understanding of design as not instructors, and access to specific expertise and ceramics process. With 2009-2010 bringing visiting only a powerful strategic business tool, but also as a diverse ideas. As the only Glass degree in Canada, artists, visiting faculty, and a national conference (1000 positive and tangible contribution to society and culture. ACAD’s Glass program is an exclusive opportunity Miles Apart), the ceramics major has been a hub of to work within this exciting medium, while exploring activity for students, faculty and alumni alike. Students in the Jewellery + Metals major explore contemporary glass practice, technology and history. traditional and contemporary techniques, materials and Our Liberal Studies area provides context and critical concerns as they develop their own studio practice. perspectives for all students, regardless of their The techniques of metalsmithing are emphasized along major. This year, Liberal Studies offered new courses with the practical issues of working as a professional in and revisions to curriculum, and faculty members the field. This year, students in the Jewellery + Metals participated in conferences and contributed to program came together to publish Links: A Collective publications. Our Liberal Studies symposium was an Knowledge — an innovative look at contemporary theory. opportunity for the community to participate in this area of the college, and it included a Pecha Kucha evening showcasing not only design, but also art, community building and story telling.
AREAS OF STUDY 17 Creative Cornerstone {No. 4} SHARING THE CREATIVE PROCESS
We engage our country in critical, collaborative discussions about the future of creative thinking.
SECTION 18 Meredith Davis, Dori Tunstall, Jane Brown and Marianne McKenna. This year, our focus included our local city of Calgary, our Province, Together with our and our nation. Through a series of exciting events and speaker series, outstanding guests, ACAD ignited debate about the meaning of culture in our lives, and the ACAD explored some role of creativity in our work. major design trends that are forces in our world, and that are driving changes in Creative Cornerstone {No. 4} We are challenging how businesses and our community SHARING THE CREATIVE PROCESS communities of practice function. • We continue to inspire discussion on the national at a local, and stage. In 2009, Governor General Michael Jean invited a national level ACAD to co-create a national summit on the role of creativity in Canada’s future. The Stirring Culture: Art to expand their Matters summit was held at Rideau Hall in September of 2009, was modeled on ACAD’s Stirring Culture • Our 2010 President’s ACAD Smart Night brought together priorities to series, and included two days of discussions between leaders from Calgary’s business community and creative members of Canada’s business and arts communities. include notions culture for a black-tie evening of dialogue and dining. Our Recommendations from this important summit were keynote speaker, Chip Heath, best-selling author of Made to of creativity. used as the basis for the Governor General’s legacy Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die and Switch: foundation, and sparked the development of a How to Change When Change Is Hard To Do engaged over 300 ACAD is building National Council for Creative Development. ACAD guests with his experiences creating and leading change at a was proud to stage this important conversation, a community large scale, and sparked conversation and debate on the future and to provide support for participants through our of Calgary, and of Alberta. As has been the case for the past where innovation, Institute for the Creative Process. four seasons, Smart Night raised money for ACAD scholarships, creativity and and highlighted the work of the ACAD Glass program. • It is the support of our visionary community members that makes much of ACAD’s work possible, and • Over the years, ACAD has remained committed to initiating culture are which allows us to play our critical role as a cultural dialogue about creative practice and creative culture within catalyst in our world. Of particular importance is the our community. Our lecture series Stirring Culture is a free, connected with ACAD’s President’s Circle, a group of Calgary’s most public, biannual event, and has brought some of the most prestigious and influential business and community corporate and civic important voices in art, design, culture and innovation to leaders who are committed to supporting creativity Calgary for the past six years. This year, ACAD presented growth — where and innovation. The support of our President’s Circle Stirring Culture 3: Women Innovators in Design — a six part membership is a critical factor in ACAD’s vision to series of lectures and conversations featuring prominent critical dialogue engage the world and create possibilities through women with successful practices in the various fields of arts, culture and the creative process. Members of about our future design that have had significant impact on our culture and the President’s Circle help advance the knowledge our community through their innovative and entrepreneurial include discussions and understanding of the importance of culture and approaches to design practice, business, theory, use of champion the cultural landscape of Calgary, Alberta materials and education. This year, Stirring Culture 3: Women about the role of and Canada and this exclusive group of visionary Innovators in Design was held in Calgary’s downtown core, leaders continues to enhance both ACAD and our creative work, art and included lectures by Sandy Chilewich, Shelley Evenson, community through their support. and design.
SHARING THE CREATIVE PROCESS 19 Creative Cornerstone {No. 5} INVITING THE WORLD
We share the best voices in international and local contemporary art and design with our community.
SECTION 20 ACAD is proud to welcome some of the most exciting and innovative minds in the international art and design community to share their practice – and to inspire our community of faculty and students with their work and their perspective.
Our international Creative Cornerstone {No. 5} INVITING THE WORLD reputation continues Dori Tunstall Stanford Perrott to grow and evolve Lecture Theatre as we invite artists, designers and cultural producers • In 2009-2010, our students collaborated with some • We invite the best in into our ACAD of the best in many creative fields through ACAD’s international artists and visiting artist program, including: Dori Tunstall, Emily designers not only to our community. Shroeder, Marianne McKenna, Matt Crookshank, lecture theatres, but also to our classrooms. Shona Rae, Alfredo Jaar, Grant Black, Meredith Davis, This year, ACAD welcomed ceramics artist Emily By showcasing Stephen Kelly, Louise Lemieux Berube, Darlene Lee, Schroeder and glass artist Jane Bruce as visiting inspiring works Kristy Trinier, Karen Wirth, Jasmine Valentina, Kent faculty for the 2009-2010 school year. Monkman, Ken Lum, Lisa Benschop, Shelley Evenson, • Our Art + Design Now public lecture series and Craig Le Blanc, Erik Mattijssen, Darsha Hewitt, Peter and practices program offering continued to bring a wide variety Flemming, Attila Richard Lukacs, Michael Morris, of perspectives to our students, with lectures from in our classrooms Sandy Chilewich, Pattie Chalmers, Robert Kelly, Jillian MacDonald, Katherine Knight, Carrie Iverson, Deborah Margo, Eric Cameron, Edson Campos, Anna and gallery spaces, Glenn Ligon, John Gerrard, Scott Rogers, Ryan von Gwinner, Numa Dallaire, Florian Koehl, Ricardo Jordan, Robin Arseneault and more. our city, our Okaranza, Jeannie Riddle, Saaraliisa Ylitalo, Alison Norlen, Dorie Millerson, Glenn Ligon, John Gerrard, • Living Glass History is an annual series of students, and our Osamu James Nakagawa, John Drury, Robbie Miller, interviews with contemporary artists whom have faculty experience Sam Webber, Patrick Lundeen, Nate Larson, Marni made significant contributions to the glass studio Shindelman, Tierney Gearon, Jane Brown, Brian movement in North America. These interviews take challenging Queen, Michael Blackbourn and Jordan Tate. the form of a structured series of questions between the students in ACAD’s Living Glass History class, • In March of 2010, ACAD was proud to welcome our and exciting and the artist using video conferencing technology, ACAD President’s Scholar In Residence, Alfredo Jaar and this year we were proud to welcome Kevin perspectives from to our campus for a private lecture, and student Lockau and Paul and Dante Marioni to the program. workshop. Alfredo Jaar is one of the international around the world — contemporary art’s most exciting voices, and his right here at home. public interventions, sculptures and photographic works have challenged and captivated audiences around the world.
INVITING THE WORLD 21 2010 Awards Show
ACAD 2010 Graduating Student Exhibition
Our Illingworth Kerr Gallery is a catalyst space for The Illingworth Kerr Gallery continues to showcase ACAD Graduating Student Exhibition the artists who exhibit there, for our students and unique and important exhibitions of contemporary May 12 - 22, 2010 community, and for the international world of art art and design for our community, both at ACAD ACAD All Faculty Exhibition and design. and beyond. In 2009-2010, the IKG mounted a wide April 15 - 24, 2010 variety of exhibitions, encompassing performance, art, The IKG draws international artists from all disciplines, and design. Reel Artists Film Festival exposing ACAD and Calgary to new and transformative Journey Through the World creative thought and inspiring our students with the of Visual Art best of contemporary art and design. With a curatorial March 25 - 28, 2010 commitment to advocate for artistic freedom, the IKG provides a place for internationally recognized voices POLAROIDS: and co-productions by a range of cultural producers – Attila Richard Lukacs making contemporary art an interdisciplinary and Michael Morris experience accessible to all. January 14 - March 13, 2010
• Programming from the IKG regularly moves beyond IKG Fall Exhibition our campus, and into the larger world of art and John Gerrard and Glenn Ligon design. This year, original works created at the IKG October 9 - December 12, 2009 moved across the world to Basel (Shuvinai Ashoona Alberta Arts Days at ACAD and John Noestheden’s 2008 IKG co-creation Earth September 18-20, 2009 and Sky), New York (with Annie Pootoogook’s exhibition and catalogue produced and circulated Featuring | Numa Dallaire, Florian Koehl, by the IKG shown to rave reviews at the Smithsonian Ricardo Okaranza and Jeanie Riddle National Museum of the American Indian with an 2009 Sled Island Music Festival attendance of over 200,000 viewers) and Toronto’s Art + Design Program at ACAD International Film Festival (Adam Pendleton and June 24 - September 19, 2009 Deerhoof’s BAND, co-produced by ACAD).
INVITING THE WORLD 22 Creative Cornerstone {No. 6} EXPANDING OUR BORDERS
We reach out internationally to new communities with new perspectives to offer.
SECTION 23 By building international relationships, we’ve expanded ACAD’s creative community, allowing for the best in practice
and theory to becoming part of our student’s education. Our students and faculty bring local, national and international points of
o view to the studio space, Creative Cornerstone {N . 6} We reach out enriching the creative internationally EXPANDING OUR BORDERS experience of all. • ACAD was proud to welcome international students to new to Calgary, including first year studies students from communities China, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Mexico, Venezuela, Middle East, India, with new Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, Australia, Norway, Sweden and Spain. perspectives ACAD students can be found in classrooms and to offer, studios and galleries around the world, bringing their • This year, ACAD hosted the 1000 Miles Apart unique perspectives, and returning with new points conference — an annual gathering of ceramics faculty and our of view. and students from the University of Manitoba, ACAD and Red Deer College. The conference is organized international • This year, our students traveled to many destinations collectively, and provides an excellent opportunity for through ACAD’s Mobility and Exchange program, students and faculty to collaborate with their fellow reputation bringing their unique perspective to many world ceramics artists. The 1000 Miles Apart conference for excellence wide institutions, including: Rhode Island School included a student and faculty exhibition, as well as of Design (U.S.A), Memphis College of Art (U.S.A), a series of lectures and demonstrations by visiting in art and Griffith Queensland College of Art (Australia), School artists and faculty. of the Museum of Fine Art (U.S.A), Canberra School design of Art (Australia), Sydney College of Art (Australia), • Our faculty reached across the world this year, with The Eugeniusz Geppert Academic of Art and Design Barbra Tipton, Shona Rae, Greg Payce, Katrina education (Poland), California College of the Arts (U.S.A), Chaytor, Sarabeth Carnat, Joan Irvin and Tyler Rock continues Edinburgh College of Art (Scotland), Universidad representing Canada at the Cheongju International Politechicade Valencia (Spain), Falmouth School of Craft Biennial. Celebrating its sixth anniversary in to grow. Art and Design (U.K), and the Quay School of the 2009, the Cheongju International Craft Biennial is Arts (New Zealand). the largest fine craft-based biennial in the world. Over 1000 artists from more than 40 countries • In March of 2010, an exciting group of sculpture participate each year, with over half a million visitors students traveled to Mexico, creating an exchange of in attendance during the month-long event. The ideas and art with La Esmerelda School of Art and Canadian national exhibition at the Biennial had 207 returning to stage an exhibition of artwork from their pieces, with thirty-three of these coming from Alberta, colleagues in Mexico. 29 from Alberta Craft Council members and more that half from ACAD faculty, technical staff and alumni.
EXPANDING OUR BORDERS 24 Creative Cornerstone {No. 7} FOSTERING A CREATIVE COMMUNITY
We nurture our alumni and involve them in the conversation.
SECTION 25 ACAD alumni advance the knowledge and understanding of the importance of visual culture and design to the economic, cultural and social life of our communities and society. They apply impact full creative thinking and ability in the fields of culture, research, commerce, manufacturing, education and countless others. Around the world ACAD alumni play a vital role as the college’s most ardent supporters, ambassadors and student mentors.
By fostering Creative Cornerstone {No. 7} and nurturing FOSTERING A CREATIVE COMMUNITY Amy Gogarty receiving the 2010 Board of Governors’ our creative Alumni Award of Excellence community of alumni and extended studies ACAD graduates are active — doing what they love presented at the 2010 ACAD Convocation ceremony. students, ACAD while building impressive careers that have impact. This award is given annually to an alumnus or alumna Our graduates are everywhere, impacting the world of ACAD who has made a significant contribution to is carrying on of art, design and business and they have achieved the arts community and has demonstrated excellence in remarkable success nationally and internationally in their field of practice. The Board of Governors of ACAD the conversation a wide spectrum of careers and industries. was especially pleased to recognize Ms. Gogarty with this award, and to honour the important contributions about the They art direct magazines, teach, run galleries, she has made to the arts and to the fields of craft contribute to blockbuster movies, illustrate books, internationally. Ms. Gogarty was nominated because importance of design clothing and jewellery, invent products and of her work in critical theory in the field of craft, the systems, exhibit, launch businesses, curate, write, art and design dedication and support she has given to her students collaborate and contribute to culture in more ways and to the artistic community and her establishment education than you can imagine — applying creative thinking of her own active practice as a visual artist. and technical ability in the fields of culture, research, through Calgary, commerce, manufacturing, education and countless ACAD is a transformative space not only for our full and beyond. others. Our alumni are not just inspirational examples time students, but for many Calgarians who attend of success and possible career paths — they’re mentors classes and participate in art and design through our and friends who return to the College regularly to extended studies programming. lecture, participate in critiques and offer important The ACAD Extended Studies program provides adult career advice and guidance for our students at all levels. credit and credit-free classes, teen programming, and Visit acad.ab.ca/alumni.html to find out more about a unique Pre-College program — opening doors to how our ACAD Alumni are creating change in their the creative process and fostering a passion for art many fields of endeavor. and design in thousands of Calgarians each year. Visit acad.ca/extended_studies.html to find out more about This year, ACAD Alumni, artist and scholar Amy the exciting course offerings in ACAD’s Extended Gogarty (Painting, 1980) was awarded the 2010 Studies Area. ACAD Board of Governors’ Alumni Award of Excellence,
FOSTERING A CREATIVE COMMUNITY 26 Creative Cornerstone {No. 8} CREATING POSSIBILITIES
We recognize the support of our extraordinary donors and friends, who make our work possible.
SECTION 27 ACAD received the support of many individuals, corporations, foundations and community partners in 2009-2010. We are pleased to recognize those donors who contribute to ACAD and make a positive difference in the lives of our students. Thanks to these donations and sponsorships, we cultivated debate, explored our culture, and supported our students in their work and education.
ACAD received Creative Cornerstone {No. 8} CREATING POSSIBILITIES the support MADT of many individuals, corporations, foundations ACAD thanks the following supporters who, alongside Cynthia P. Moore + Fraser Milner and community our anonymous donors and our community partners, Michael Kennedy Casgrain LLP made our creative explorations in 2009-2010 possible. Daryl and Ellen G. Bradley Moore + partners in Fridhandler Barbara J. Higgins Alberta Advanced The Calgary Foundation 2009-2010. Education and (various) David Edmunds Gowling Lafleur Technology Henderson LLP We are pleased Calgary Herald David + Scarlett Neill Alberta Foundation Icegate Holdings Calgary Technologies Inc. Deborah Yedlin to recognize for the Arts J. Sherrold + Patricia M. Charles W. Fischer Diane + Stephen Krasnow those donors AltaLink Moore Chris + Terri Ollenberger The Dianne and Irving who contribute ATB Financial James + Cheryl Peacock Kipnes Foundation Chuck Barlow Barbara Klebanoff + Jeanne + Peter Lougheed to ACAD and Dick + Lois Haskayne Tony Settari Contributors to the Jenny and Hyman make a positive Eugene Ouchi Memorial Enbridge Inc. Bill + Diane Chomik Belzberg Scholarship difference in EnCana Cares Foundation Bradley and Jesse Marion Contributors to the Nicole Tanya Zumwalt FirstEnergy Capital Corp. the lives of Jennifer Creig Memorial Jill + Gordon Rawlinson Burnet Duckworth Scholarship FirstEnergy our students. Jim Dinning + Evelyn Main & Palmer LLP Community Foundation Critical Mass Jim Hill Calgary Economic Productions Inc. The Flanagan Foundation Development Joanne Cuthbertson
CREATING POSSIBILITIES 28 Home Studio Space
Sculpture
VCD
Glass
Joseph Leung NATIONAL Public Talisman Energy Inc. Relations John and Barbara TransAlta Poole Family Nexen Inc. TrépanierBaer Gallery PRESIDENT’S CABINET John S. Chambers Odgers Berndtson United Way of Calgary, as of June 30, 2010 John + Susan McWilliams Patrick + Constance Donor Choice Program O’Connor The Kahanoff Foundation W. Michael Evans + DAVID ALDRICH RBC D. Jane Evans Vice-President Student Experience Karin Gashus RBC Foundation Western Financial Group DON DART Kasian Architecture Senior Vice-President Finance and Corporate Services Interior Design and Robert Ollerenshaw WHITEIRON Productions ANNEMARIE DORLAND Planning Ltd. Roxanne McCaig + William MacLachlan Director of Communications Kathy + Rich Sendall Mark Bartko W. Brett Wilson DENISE MULLEN M. Carol + Larry J. Ryder Rozsa Foundation Provost and Vice-President Research and Academic Affairs Yves Trépanier + Mary Rozsa de Coquet SANDSTONE Asset Cheryl Gottselig SUSAN VEENHOVEN Management Inc. Director of Human Resources Martha R. Cohen Zinc Ventures Sharon Martens SHANE SMITH Martin Molyneaux Vice-President Advancement Sharon Watkins + Mawer Investment Alan Kane Management Inc. Sheila O’Brien Michael Lang Steve + Jane Snyder Michael J. + Renae N. What’s Happening at ACAD Tims Sue Anne Valentine Would you like to know more about what’s happening now at the Morris + Ann Dancyger Susan Thomas Alberta College of Art + Design?
Contact us at [email protected] to join our e-newsletter community and to learn more about events, activities and news at ACAD. Or, visit us online at acad.ca.
Design: Cori Hellard Principal Photography: Jason Stang
CREATING POSSIBILITIES 29 Together, ACAD’s 115 faculty + 81 staff + 1192 undergraduate students are building on ACAD’s creative cornerstones to share new perspectives about the future of art + design.
SECTION 30