UCLA Arts Newsletter
January 11, 2021
This new year finds us at a sobering and extraordinary moment in history.
While the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines offers a glimmer of hope, the pandemic runs rampant in our communities and is claiming lives at an alarming and heartbreaking rate.
As our new president prepares to assume office this month, the outgoing president continues to claim that the election was “rigged,” fomenting a level of rage, division and dissent that, last week, led to horrific violence in our nation’s capital and an attack on the very heart of American democracy.
In 2020, the movement for Black lives and social justice opened necessary discussions, but we are still early in our reckoning and much necessary change still lies ahead.
Last week's attack on the U.S. Capitol by armed pro-Trump insurrectionists came as Tucson, Arizona marked the grim anniversary of another attack on democracy: the 2011 shooting rampage that killed six people and injured thirteen, including then-U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
Rebeca Méndez, professor and chair of the Department of Design Media Arts, worked with the architecture firm Chee Salette to design a permanent memorial to honor the victims, survivors and first responders of the Jan. 8, 2011 attack.
Méndez and a team of UCLA students designed a symbolic language that honors those involved, and tells a larger history of violence and resilience in the American Southwest.
Get to know Shantel Daniels, a UCLA alumna and the interim director of UCLA Arts' Office of Student Services. Shantel is from a small farming town in California's Central Valley and has researched and presented on feminist theory in academic advising. Read on for her views on the importance of the arts, who her favorite artists are, and where she loves to spend time in LA.
Don't Miss: 
Check out upcoming virtual programs from across our academic departments, museums, and performing arts presenters. Find a complete list of upcoming events on the UCLA Arts online calendar.
The creative and scholarly contributions of the UCLA Arts community mine the complexities of the human condition, ask essential questions of our time, and expand the potential of creativity. Read more for a list of recent accolades and current and upcoming virtual and in-person exhibitions, performances, and lectures.
In the News:
Announcements:
Faculty Announcements
Mariana Ibañez joins the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture as Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Architecture and Urban Design. Read more.
Alex Ungprateeb Flynn joins the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture as Assistant Professor in the Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance. Read more.
Winter Quarter Add/Drop Deadlines
Last day to drop impacted courses: Friday of second week, Jan. 15
Last day to add courses: Friday of third week, Jan. 22
Last day to drop non-impacted courses: Friday of fourth week, Jan. 29
Last day to change grading basis for courses: Friday of ninth week, Mar. 5
Thank you for your support of the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture
Thank you to everyone that made an end of year gift to the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture. 2020 was a trying year for students, alumni, and many others associated with UCLA Arts, but we are hopeful for the new year. Click here to join with fellow supporters and make a gift to help the next generation of creative leaders.
Find up-to-date COVID-19 resources and information for the UCLA community
Guidance and updates for the Bruin community, the media and the broader public about UCLA’s ongoing response to the coronavirus pandemic. Read more
Read the latest stories about UCLA Arts students, faculty, staff, and alumni
From campus news to faculty and alumni activities around the globe, the UCLA Arts website is updated daily to aggregate the best news and stories about and written by the School of the Arts and Architecture community. Read more
PS:
Calling all students and staff! We want to share your news and tell your stories. Email communications@arts.ucla.edu with story ideas.
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