Celebrations Coming Soon to the University of the Incarnate Word
Author: Mark Richter
78209 will have something very special to celebrate soon — the opening of a brand spanking new performance hall on the campus of the University of the Incarnate Word. Anyone living in the area for even a few years can attest to the growth and success the university continues to enjoy under the leadership of longtime president Dr. Louis Agnese.
Now included in the school’s plan is an expansion of its fine arts facilities, inclusive of which will be a fully renovated 925-seat concert hall for large-scale arts events. This is an great enhancement to a community that is historically known for its commitment to the arts.
UIW is the only university in San Antonio that has an accredited theater arts program. It now will enhance its accreditation in arts and music from the National Association of Schools of Art & Design and the National Association of Schools of Music. To do this, UIW must provide expanded space in each degree program for teaching, performance and exhibition, practice rooms and studios, administration and storage.
With these enhanced accreditations, UIW can attract from throughout the state and nation faculty and students with the most potential and expertise. They will help to create in San Antonio a new “destination school” in the arts. In turn, UIW’s growing reputation will help to enhance San Antonio’s and Texas’ creative potential, economic health and quality of life.
To that end, UIW is preparing to expand its fine arts facilities so that its students and faculty have the essential resources with which to learn and master their art. Through the arts degree programs, UIW graduates will influence the culture of our city, state and nation and affect the education of children in elementary, middle and high schools.
In the words of Dr. Robert Ball, theater arts professor and chair of the department:
“Our goal of exposing UIW fine and performing arts students to the arts on an international level has never been within closer reach. It is the fulfillment of this goal and others that we look toward as we assess our facilities, equipment, faculty and activities. Our students can imagine, create and achieve greatness, but they need support and encouragement to do so.”
