Winter 2024 Message from Dean Brett Steele
When I first stepped into the role of dean of the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture in 2017 — the first architect to do so — I was inspired by the exceptional talent, dedication, and creativity that permeated every corner of our school.
Over the years, my admiration has only grown.
Together, we have fostered a community that values creative excellence and the pursuit of a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future. Our brilliant faculty's extraordinary teaching and research encourages our students to push the boundaries of their craft, challenging conventional norms and producing groundbreaking work of their own in the process. Through our faculty’s collective efforts, our students are empowered to use their artistic voices to provoke essential conversations and address some of the most pressing artistic and societal issues of our time.
Within and beyond our classrooms and studios, we have worked hard to cultivate an environment that encourages exploration, experimentation, and, above all else, meaningful engagement. Whether it be through thought-provoking exhibitions, captivating performances, or insightful lectures, UCLA Arts continues to burnish its reputation as a hub of vital cultural discourse.
None of this would be possible without the support and hard work of our exceptional staff. They ensure our operations run smoothly and provide the necessary resources for our endeavors to thrive. Their unwavering commitment to our mission is truly the backbone of our success. For their support of my work as dean over the past six and a half years, I am profoundly grateful.
With the new year upon us, the promise of expanding the reach, influence, and impact of our work has never been greater. Last fall’s opening of CAP UCLA’s UCLA Nimoy Theater and UCLA’s recent acquisitions of downtown L.A.’s Trust Building and the Westside Pavilion will no doubt create new opportunities for UCLA Arts to have a dynamic presence and increased engagement with audiences beyond UCLA’s main campus. I cannot wait to see how all of you continue to expand and realize the potential of this school — and our growing engagement with the world — in the weeks, months, and years ahead.
As my time here as dean comes to a close at the end of this month, I would be remiss not to extend my deepest appreciation to the incredible alumni, parents, and supporters that make up the phenomenal UCLA Arts community. Your accomplishments, mentorship, contributions, and engagement have been and will continue to be instrumental in shaping the trajectory of our school. You embody the spirit of our institution and demonstrate that the arts and architecture have the power to transcend boundaries and shape a better future.
So, while it is with many bittersweet emotions that I bid farewell, I will always carry with me the cherished memories of our many shared accomplishments. You have all taught me so much in my time here. I am confident that UCLA Arts will continue to flourish while creating new avenues for creativity and innovation under fresh leadership.
Thank you for the privilege to serve as your dean. I look forward to celebrating the extraordinary heights this institution will undoubtedly reach in the years to come.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Brett Steele
Dean, UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture
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