It is back-to-school time, which means the welcoming week is in full swing on campus. From Crimson Nights to PlazaPalooza, the activities for students are endless. One event included the Arts Bash, a celebration for the arts.
Arts Bash 2024
The 2024 Arts Bash took place on the Marriott Library Plaza on Aug. 28. It was full of exciting activities, performances and booths. Students could immerse themselves in and learn more about all the arts available on campus.
The Arts Bash featured a diverse range of programs, including Arts Pass, Arts Force, Utah Presents, Utah Museum of Fine Arts, School of Dance, Arts and Health, Film, Theatre, Utah Center for Vocology and Utah Programming Council. These booths provided program information and allowed students to grab free snacks and swag.
The stage in the bash’s center housed multiple performers, such as the Jersey Boys cast and Chris DuVal. Other artists such as Emily Polichette, Emma Skaggs and A. Raheim White led a group drumming. The live performances were going for most of the event, making it possible for nearly everyone to see at least one performance.
The inclusion of these interactive programs created a vibrant and engaging Arts Bash, which was well-received by the students. The event saw a fantastic turnout, with students actively participating in the various activities and performances.
Engaging with the Arts
The 2024 Arts Bash is just one of many ways University of Utah students can immerse themselves in the arts. All U students have access to the Arts Pass, a versatile tool for engaging with the arts. From free passes to the UMFA to Arts Wellness and Yoga Classes, the Arts Pass offers a wide range of experiences to connect with the arts on campus.
“The reason I think the institution invests so much in the arts has really been reaffirmed by a lot of research these days showing the benefits of arts experiences on a multitude of different things,” Marina Gomberg, director of communications and marketing at the U, said.
Whether it is improving reading composition in young children or benefiting medical students at university, immersing yourself in the arts is proven to be a backbone of support to all.
Gomberg provided a resource, Americans for the Arts, that shows the myriad of research that has gone into studying the benefits of the arts. This website allows students to explore research, find local projects, discover publications and more.
The arts are everywhere and engaging yourself in them is crucial.
“The vibrant arts culture at the University of Utah is woven into the very fabric of our institution, and that’s by important design. In addition to entertainment and enrichment, arts experiences at a public research university like ours fuel innovation, community, connection, curiosity, empathy — and both across campus and deep into the broader community,” John Scheib, the dean of the College of Fine Arts and associate vice president for the arts said. “We are proud of the breadth and depth of visual and performing arts offerings here from the classrooms and studios and to our galleries and performing halls. We hope U students take full advantage of all they have at their fingertips.”
Students should not take these resources for granted. Attending events through the Arts Pass such as the Arts Bash is one way students can fully immerse themselves in the arts.
