A Welcome Message from Laila Maher
Dean of Student and Alumni Affairs
Now more than ever it is crucial for artists to be supported as they pursue their craft. The life of an artist as well as that of a student involves much more than the classroom and the work itself, and this is where the Office of Student Affairs comes in. In addition to guiding new students through the process of transitioning to the School of the Arts, we plan the School-wide orientation, School of the Arts Convocation, and support student groups, events, and activities.
We also play a critical role in connecting School of the Arts students to the larger university and necessary services, and help students navigate many of the central offices including Health Services (which houses the Office of Disability Services, Insurance, Immunization, and Counseling and Psychological Services), Columbia Residential, Public Safety, University Life, the International Students and Scholars Office, and the Registrar's Office. Our office also helps to uphold many of the School and University-wide policies and we manage the School’s disciplinary procedures.
The Artists’ Resource Center, also part of our Office, maintains information on funding opportunities and career resources for students and alumni at the Columbia University School of the Arts, and provides consultations to students and alumni to help them look for professional development opportunities and more.
After graduation, the Office of Alumni Affairs provides more than 7000 alumni artists, creators, and leaders with opportunities to stay connected with the School of the Arts, the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA), and one another through alumni programming, benefits, a monthly newsletter, and collaborations with CAA Arts Access.
Our ultimate goal is to support our students and alums while they pursue their education as valued members of our dynamic community and as they navigate their time after graduation.
Student & Alumni News
Directing alumna Nana Dakin '18 assisted tony-nominated director and Adjunct Assistant Professor, Leigh Silverman on Wild Goose Dreams an original play with music at The Public Theater which closed in December. Alumna Janelle Caso '17 was also the Assistant Stage Manager of the production. New York Magazine called the show “[w]himsical, powerful, and poignant. Quickly shifting and densely layered … visually delightful. A senses-tingling treat.”
Visual Arts alumnus Cy Gavin ‘16 is currently in exhibition at Mass MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts.
Those Who Whistle After Dark, a feature project written by alumna Pinar Yorgancioglu '16 and produced by alumna Sarah Seulki Oh '15, was selected for the Venice Biennale's College Cinema program.
Hierophany, written and directed by alumnus Kevin Contento '18 and assistant directed by alumnus Daniel Pfeffer '18, will have its Florida Premiere at the 36th Miami Film Festival (March 1-10, 2019) as part of the Made in MIA Short Film Award. It will also receive its New York Premiere as part of the Caribbean Film Series: A 5th Anniversary Festival which will be held at BAM in Brooklyn (March 14-17, 2019). The film has previously screened at prestigious film festivals including the LA Film Festival 2018 as well as Slamdance Film Festival…
The Question Authority, a timely novel that tackles abuse and the #MeToo movement, written by film alumna Rachel Cline ’87 drops April 18, 2019.
Cancion Sin Nombre (Song Without a Name), a feature directed by alumna Melina León '08, was acquired by Luxbox.
Film alumna Fany de la Chica '18 performed in a musical performance at St. Paul’s Chapel at Columbia University along with Columbia College alumnus Jake Chapman '16 on piano and Columbia College alumna Eli Aleinikoff '16 on saxophone. The performance was a mix of flamenco with jazz.
Mikhaela Mahony's third-year directing thesis As You Like It premieres next month at The Lenfest Center for the Arts.
Last night at the 91st Academy Awards, the film Green Book, directed, produced, and co-written by writing alumnus Peter Farrelly ‘86, took home the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor.
The 2019 Oscar nominations are out, and this year several recognize Columbia alumni. Film alumna Nicole Holofcener '88 received the nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for Can You Ever Forgive Me? Green Book directed by Writing alumnus Peter Farrelly '86 is nominated for Best Picture as well as Best Original Screenplay, and Ralph Breaks the Internet by film alumnus Phil Johnston '04 is nominated for Best Animated Feature.
No Candy, a play by playwriting alumna Emma Stanton ’16 received its premiere production recently at the Portland Playhouse. The play is about a multi-generational community of Bosnian Muslim women who survived the Srebrenica genocide and, years later, opened a gift shop for tourists who visit the Srebrenica memorial. The story explores how trauma inhabits the body and shapes a community, it is also about the persistence of humor, art, and absurdity in an unimaginable time. The production was directed by Tea Alagic and ran from from January 16 – February 10, 2019. This new…