“What It Takes”: Creative Research in the College of Fine Arts
The College of Fine Arts at Florida State University is home to seven units: the Departments of Art, Art History, Art Education, and Interior Architecture and Design, the Schools of Dance and Theatre, and the Museum of Fine Arts. Over one-hundred faculty members across these areas produce vital creative and scholarly research that can range from original works of choreography to a book on the colonial architecture of Puerto Rico.
There is no simple way to characterize the incredible work done in the College, but we all share an understanding that creativity fundamentally expresses our humanity. The work of generating and studying our cultural heritage is essential, and it demands rigor, resources, and care. It takes discipline. It takes patience. It takes humility. It takes collaboration. It takes tools and technology. It takes libraries and archives. It takes knowledge of skills and languages. It takes a willingness to rise to the challenges of finding and making and sharing.
“What It Takes” brings together all of the units of the College in a celebration and exploration of the power of research in the arts. The exhibition was originally intended to take place in the museum. The global pandemic moved it online, which has generated an opportunity for MoFA to do what we do best: creative problem-solving. In addition to this digital exhibition, throughout the spring semester we will host a range of online activities, convenings, and programs. We hope that you will join us.
This exhibition was conceived with the help of a committee of faculty members from across the College. We thank Tenley Bick (Department of Art History), Jessica Ingram (Department of Art), Yelena McLane (Department of Interior Architecture and Design), Caleb Mitchell (School of Dance), Aaron Thomas (School of Theatre), and Pat Villeneuve (Department of Art Education) for their time and creativity in imaging this exhibition.
