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
On November 12, 2023 during the Visual Arts and Sound Art Class of 2024 Open Studios, 30 student artists welcomed members of the public to engage with their work and learn more about their materials, techniques, and influences.
Alumna Terese Svoboda '78 discusses her journey as an artist and creator.
Alum Jessica Caldwell '12 discusses their journey as an artist and creator.
Throughout the month of December and until January 20, 2024, two bronze sculptures and several oil paintings by Visual Arts alumnus Linus Borgo ’22 are on view in a solo exhibition at the esteemed Yossi Milo gallery in Chelsea.
Film alumni Joel Vázquez Cárdenas '18 and Camila Zavala '19 recently participated in the Taller de Revisión de Guion, a two-week residential workshop hosted by Cine Qua Non in Tzintzuntzan, Mexico.
Film alumnus Kevin Haefelin '22 has had a busy few months. His thesis short, The Fuse, premiered at several world renowned festivals and now qualifies for the Oscars.
Anita Benkov ‘22 (CC’ 16) has been awarded a 2023 SFFILM Rainin Grant Rainin grant for her feature script The Binding of Itzik.
What is an artistic obsession? In Dramatic Influences: Theatre Makers and What Inspires Them, we catch up with Columbia Theatre artists and ask them about the things that keep them up at night. What drives these individuals, even as it drives them crazy? This week we speak with Playwriting student Sophie McIntosh about rabbits, JFK, and Gen Z’s environmental angst.
Still Alive, a debut novel by writing alumna LJ Pemberton ’10, will be published by Malarkey Books in February 2024.
Art Basel Miami Beach, one of the most prestigious art shows in the world, is hosting a notable group of alumni from Columbia University School of the Arts this year.
The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts has commissioned Visual Arts alumnus Hugh Hayden ’18 to create Huff and a Puff, an outdoor sculpture installation which will be on view until November 1, 2033.
From Here To There is a series in conversation with recent Writing alumni whose books are hitting the shelves. We reflect on their time in the MFA program, how they took an idea from workshop to publication, and what the writing life looks like on the other side. This week we talk with Molly McGhee '19 about her debut novel, Jonathan Abernathy You Are Kind.