The University of Utah is a place dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, as well as supporting the arts. The two of course, can blend together in a way that demonstrates the innate value of art and how deeply it can be explored. This is no better seen than with the yearly event, CFA Research Week.
The CFA Research Week is an event held by the School of Music in the McKay Music Library, which is in David P. Gardner Hall. The McKay Music Library is one of the many libraries on campus, though it’s small size gives it a comfortable feeling. Not to mention that Gardner Hall is one of the most visually appealing locations on campus, it’s the perfect place to hold an academic summit.
CFA Research week is a time to show off and celebrate the work of professors and academics around campus. The set up of CFA Research allows for a pleasant experience, letting the observer move from table to table at their own leisure while the sounds of classical music sets the mood. Walking the tables, one can find research papers, videos and even newly composed music. Music is not the only artistic focus of CFA Research Week, as there are showings from all fields of art.
Founded with passion
This event was first started through an initiative by the director of the School of Music, Dr. Kim Councill and the Associate Dean for Research for the CFA, Becky Zarate. Dr. Councill has been working with the University of Utah since 2022, and her work can be seen on a national level from both her career and published works.
“The faculty in the School of Music and the CFA have dynamic and impactful scholarship projects that are presented in a variety of meaningful ways,” she said. “Because of the nature of our professional lives, we are not always able to see and celebrate the work of our colleagues and our colleagues may not be aware of the work that we do. Research Week is a chance to see the work of our colleagues up close and celebrate recent accomplishments and publications.”
An interview with Lisa Chaufty expanded further upon the positive energy of the event. Chaufty is the Library Director of the Mckay Music Library and helps to coordinate CFA Research Week.
“My favorite part is having it in a working library space,” she said. The simple act of setting it in the library means that students can come and take notice of the higher academic elements of CFA Research week, raising notice for it in a passive though effective way. It also helps to raise general sense for awareness for the field of academic art as, something Chaufty emphasized. “Sometimes people don’t think about the research that goes into the arts.”
By the time this article is published, the CFA Research Week will have concluded, but it has been confirmed that it will be back again next year. Given it’s ease of entry and the passion behind the work, it is worth a visit for anyone in the field of academics or art. It might also be a great way to find new connections in your field as well as new perspective.
