PHILADELPHIA, PA — Local filmmaker Gary Hanna, a University of the Arts (UArts) alumnus, has launched a poignant documentary series titled “University of the Arts – We’re Still Here,” featuring fellow graduate Adam Nelson. This series aims to showcase the significant impact UArts has had on its alumni while probing into the sudden and controversial shutdown of the historic institution.
Founded in 1876, UArts has been a vital cultural cornerstone in Philadelphia and beyond, nurturing generations of creative talent in various disciplines. However, in an unexpected announcement in May 2024, the university’s Board of Trustees declared its permanent closure due to financial difficulties, leaving students and staff in turmoil. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education confirmed the loss of accreditation, adding to the institution’s woes despite a recent successful capital campaign and substantial endowment.
Hanna’s series is a platform for UArts alumni to share their experiences and achievements, countering the notion that arts education is outdated. It highlights how graduates continue to make meaningful contributions to the arts and various industries, reinforcing the idea that an arts degree is far from obsolete. “The arts are the cornerstone of American culture, and institutions like UArts are essential to nurturing the next generation of creative leaders,” said Adam Nelson, a 1991 UArts Theatre alumnus and CEO of WORKHOUSE.
Nelson, who has earned accolades for his work in public relations, emphasizes the need for accountability from the university’s administration and Board of Trustees. “The closure of UArts is not only a loss for the community but a symbolic failure in the broader narrative about the role of arts education in this country,” he stated. Nelson has committed his agency’s resources to push for transparency and mobilize the alumni network to preserve UArts’ legacy.
As the series unfolds, it also raises awareness about the broader implications of UArts’ closure for the arts community. It questions the role and value of specialized institutions in fostering creativity and innovation. “No one wears their alma mater as a name tag in public, but we carry its influence in our work,” Nelson added, noting the importance of maintaining spaces that inspire and nurture creative thought.
Gary Hanna, through his brand Psynema, continues to explore the intersection of art, culture, and social justice. His series not only aims to preserve the stories of UArts alumni but also to ignite a national conversation about the significance of arts education. Hanna encourages other filmmakers and alumni across the globe to create similar vignettes, bringing attention to the contributions of UArts graduates worldwide.
The closure of UArts has sent shockwaves across the arts community, prompting calls for thorough investigations into the administrative decisions leading to its downfall. “We’re still waiting for answers from the legislative committee hearings concerning the unexplained collapse of UArts,” Nelson reiterated, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability.
As alumni and community members continue to demand answers, “University of the Arts – We’re Still Here” serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of arts education and the need to safeguard creative institutions that shape the cultural landscape.
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