The students behind the events

Duncan Day-Myron

The University of Guelph has a very big and very active arts community, built in part by the active community of student artists in the studio art, music and theatre studies programs. From the weekly art shows in Zavitz gallery, to the series of one act plays each semester, to the Thursday at Noon concert series and regular jam sessions, anyone coming to Guelph should have no problem finding arts events on campus

And if just being part of the audience at these events isn’t enough for you, then the next step would be getting in touch with the student groups that organize them.

The studio art and art history events are mostly organized by the Fine Arts Network (FAN), who meet weekly.

 “FAN is a resource for art and art history students who would like to get involved and just generally stay informed as to what is going on in the arts community on campus,” said Rachel Vanderzwet, president of FAN. “A new student can become involved by inquiring at one of our events [...]  or by dropping in on a meeting. All students are welcome and we post where and when they will be held usually in the first week of classes around Zavitz, Axelrod and MACK 114.”

The music department is represented by the Music Students Association (MSA), and  all incoming music students should automatically be signed up for their mailing list.

“The MSA is a student run organization that strives to promote the music department and students throughout the campus, and community,” said Ann Westbere, president of the MSA. “We try to involve music students and those who are taking music classes [and] strive  to create a community among the music students.”

In addition to one act plays, there are mainstage performances, workshops and movie nights going on throughout the year keeping theatre studies students busy. Organizing many of the events is the Drama Students Federation (DSF).

“We want to bring the theatre students closer together, and truly make them feel unified,” said Cory Hare, president of the DSF.

In addition to their mailing list and website, Hare has some sound advice for any new students hoping to be more active.

“Get involved! And if you don’t know how, ask. Find out where Massey Hall is on campus and go introduce yourself to anyone you meet there.”

The arts community on campus is active and inclusive, and always eager for more people wanting to be a part of it. You don’t have to look far!

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