The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a major cultural force in the city of Savannah.
SCAD’s presence has had a positive impact on the local economy, providing jobs for thousands of people and bringing millions of dollars into the area each year. Beyond its economic contributions, SCAD adds to Savannah’s vibrant culture by hosting a variety of events, such as film screenings, lectures and exhibitions. It also offers educational opportunities to area residents through its degree programs and community outreach efforts. SCAD has aided in the revitalization of many historic buildings in Savannah, transforming them into modern art hubs that appeal to travelers from around the world. The college’s commitment to the city of Savannah has helped create a vibrant, diverse and culturally rich community. SCAD is an integral part of life in Savannah, making it a destination for both students and visitors alike.
By providing an array of educational opportunities, SCAD helps to cultivate a strong sense of community in Savannah. The private college offers more than 70 degree programs and over 100 minors, ranging from animation to fashion design. It also is home to the annual Savannah Film Festival and hosts a variety of lectures, exhibitions and performances throughout the year.
Some of these include:
Trustee’s Theater in Downtown Savannah:
The college holds numerous lectures, performances and film screenings in conjunction with the Savannah Film Festival. The Trustees Theater and the Lucas Theatre for the Arts are used for the Savannah Film Festival in late October/early November. With average attendance more than 40,000, the event includes a week of lectures, workshops and screenings of student and professional films. There also is a juried competition.
Past guests of the festival include:
- Roger Ebert,
- Peter O’Toole,
- Tommy Lee Jones,
- Norman Jewison,
- Ellen Burstyn,
- Sir Ian McKellen,
- Oliver Stone,
- Liam Neeson,
- James Franco,
- Sidney Lumet,
- Miloš Forman,
- Michael Douglas,
- Woody Harrelson,
- John Goodman,
- Claire Danes,
- James Gandolfini,
- Patrick Stewart,
- Holly Hunter and many others.
deFINE ART:
Founded in 2010, deFINE ART annually brings leading contemporary artists to Savannah. The event presents new projects, commissioned works, and new performances. Since 2010, guests have included artists such as Lawrence Weiner, Marilyn Minter, Hank Willis Thomas, Carlos Cruz-Diez, and others.
Sidewalk Arts and Sand Arts Festivals:
Each April, SCAD hosts the Sidewalk Arts Festival in downtown Forsyth Park. The festival consists primarily of the chalk-drawing competition, divided into categories of students, alumni and prospective students. Similar is the Sand Arts Festival. This sand festival is held every spring on the beaches of nearby Tybee Island. Contestants can work alone or in groups of up to four people. The competition is divided into sand relief, sand sculpture, sand castle and wind sculpture divisions.
In addition, SCAD is committed to the community and offers a variety of outreach programs designed to engage local residents.
The presence of SCAD in Savannah has made a lasting impact on the city. It has helped to bring life and vitality to the area, creating a diverse and vibrant culture. By providing educational opportunities, cultural events and community outreach programs, SCAD has helped to create an environment of inclusivity where people from all backgrounds can come together and thrive. SCAD operates museums, galleries, and exhibition spaces across its campuses, including the SCAD Museum of Art, located on the site of the former Central of Georgia Railway headquarters in Savannah.
Founded in 1978 to provide degrees in programs not yet offered in the Southeast, the university now enrolls more than 14,000 students. SCAD is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and other professional accrediting bodies.
With all of these positive attributes, SCAD is a testament to what art and education can do to improve a community.
Source: en.wikipedia.org.
