A Clarion call for the arts
For the first time in the university's history, the fine arts could soon have a home of their own in a new state-of-the-art facility.
Bringing together the Departments of Art and Art History, Drama and Music under one roof is the mandate of the Clarion Project, and according to those involved, the project will make a huge difference to the creative landscape of the campus.
Peter Stoicheff stands near the Stadium Parkade, a possible location for a new fine arts facility
photo by Mark Ferguson
“The word clarion refers to more than a building,” said Peter Stoicheff, vice-dean of humanities and fine arts in the College of Arts and Science. “It implies a bright clear sound. This project is a university incentive to do better. Putting the three fine arts together will yield new programs and new personalities and it's fair to say all three departments look eagerly at rubbing shoulders.”
Early renderings for the new Clarion building show gallery space, offices, practice and training facilities, and the pièce de rèsistance: two medium-sized performance halls – one for live music and another for live theatre, each capable of holding about 350 people.
Two possible locations are being considered for the new facility. The first site, adjacent to the Education Building, has the advantage of being close to the academic core of the campus and close to parking near and around the Diefenbaker Canada Centre. The second spot, and the one Stoicheff prefers, is the corner of College Dr. and Cumberland Avenue “since the location would be highly visible and close to the Stadium Parkade.”
Check out the rest of the story in On Campus News