POV shares insights from the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University community on important topics. Diane Petrella, dean of Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University's College of the Arts, sees access as a way to provide students with many benefits, including creativity, emotional expression, social interaction, and personal growth, and as she shares below, she believes these benefits should be available to all.
When we talk about access to the arts at Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University, we're discussing something much deeper than simply opening our doors to students. True access means creating pathways for any passionate student to receive a world-class education without facing insurmountable financial barriers.
It means recognizing talent and potential regardless of a student's background, and providing the resources and support needed to nurture that talent into professional success.
As Dean of the College of the Arts, I've witnessed firsthand how our commitment to accessibility transforms lives.
Our Fashion School stands as a perfect example of this philosophy in action. We've built one of the best fashion programs in the world—comparable to renowned institutions like Parsons and FIT—yet our tuition costs roughly one-third of what our biggest competitors charge. This isn't just a matter of savings; it's about ensuring that talented students don't graduate with $200,000 in debt that could limit their creative futures or force them to choose between their passion and financial stability.
The economics of arts education cannot be overlooked in today's landscape. Many talented young people hesitate to pursue careers in the arts because of concerns about cost and future earnings.
At Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹, we've created a model that addresses both concerns – providing top-tier education at an accessible price point that doesn't compromise on quality or resources. Our facilities, technology, and most importantly, our faculty, rival those at institutions charging much more for the same level of education.
What makes me proudest is seeing students arrive with nothing but passion and interest, then watching our world-class faculty develop their talents into marketable skills.
It's not unusual for a student to enter our Fashion School with no formal training or background, just a genuine interest in the field. Four years later, these same students secure prestigious positions in New York City, their talents having been remarkably developed by our expert faculty who are not just educators but active professionals in their disciplines.
This transformation happens across all our artistic disciplines.
For example, when I attended our recent production of "The Wiz," I was struck not only by the exceptional performances of our actors and singers but also by the outstanding work of our student designers. The production values demonstrated the comprehensive education we provide—any student can explore lighting design, costume creation, or set construction under the guidance of industry professionals who are dedicated to student success.
Our Collaborative Nature
The way our programs work together also expands access in unexpected ways.
Students studying different disciplines regularly work together on productions and projects, creating networks and developing interdisciplinary skills that serve them well in their professional careers. This holistic approach to arts education means students gain not just technical skills in their chosen field, but a broader understanding of how their work fits into the larger artistic ecosystem.
The arts should never be exclusive or inaccessible.
At Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹, we've created an environment where financial constraints don't determine who gets to pursue their creative passions. Our students receive the same quality education as those at more expensive institutions, but without the crushing debt that so often forces young artists to abandon their dreams.
Making a Difference
I truly believe I have the coolest job on campus because I witness this magic daily—seeing students discover their talents, develop their skills, and emerge as professionals ready to make their mark on the world. Even on challenging days, being surrounded by creativity and witnessing the growth of our students reminds me why access to arts education matters so profoundly.
This is our commitment at Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹'s College of the Arts: to provide world-class education that remains accessible to all passionate students, regardless of their background or financial situation.
When we talk about access, we're talking about creating futures where artistic talent can flourish without compromise, where creativity is nurtured alongside practical skills, and where the next generation of artists can thrive.