Fine Arts Cuts Will Damage Program

LettersAndy Filipowich — Published March 19, 2013

There has been a flurry of activity regarding the funding cuts to Fine Arts programs. The Fine Arts Student Alliance stated that 15 to 20 per cent of funding will be cut from the faculty and its programs.

The most innovative moments in history come from ideas and creativity.

Someone had to think of a wheel before inventing it and then realizing its potential. A team of astronauts designed rockets and ships to explore the far reaches of our galaxy. Musicians create lyrics that make us question, explore or forget about our problems. All of these accomplishments required ideas and creativity.

Concordia’s Faculty of Fine Arts alumni are internationally recognized as some of the best in the world. Arcade Fire—which features three Concordia alumni, two from Fine Arts—won the Grammy for Best Album in 2011 and film graduate Édouard Lock is combining film with groundbreaking choreography.

I am excited to see what the next generation of alumni will give to the world. Unfortunately, the devastating cuts to Fine Arts will kill the creative potential of our students. There will be fewer mentorship opportunities, less exploration and fewer performance opportunities.

I hope every student and alumni of Concordia will help FASA in fighting against these cuts.

—Andy Filipowich,
BFA Contemporary Dance, Class of 2012