NYU schools and colleges are committed to bringing together people from across disciplines and programs to build relationships and engage in conversation and critical analysis. At the Tisch School of Arts, the Week of Community is one of the many ways this commitment comes to life. The annual seven-day event attracts students and faculty from across the Tisch community and beyond. Overall, it celebrates the artists, scholars, and entrepreneurs that make Tisch renowned for studying the performing, cinematic, and emerging media arts.
The Making of an Annual Celebration
Whenever an event or idea encouraged celebration or discussion, Tisch students and faculty would gather for a Day of Community. In 2015 Tisch dean Allyson Green made the Day of Community an annual tradition. This expansion aimed to increase conversation, connection, and creative problem-solving across departments and disciplines. Since then, the event has expanded into a full week. Each Tisch department has the chance to plan an activity or exhibit. Teams like the Office of Student Affairs and Office of Diversity also host open houses and information sessions with games, giveaways, and more.
“The ethos of the week is in its name: a celebration for and of our community,” says Green. “For a community as diverse as ours, the week presents a unique opportunity for students and faculty. They can explore other programs and experiences outside their own and deepen their engagement and understanding of each other.”
New Year, New Lineup
No two Weeks of Community are alike. The festivities have featured Tisch community breakfasts, film screenings, dramatic readings, photography exhibits, and concerts from critically acclaimed artists. The events also include a showcase of student projects from HEAR US, a program that supports historically marginalized voices and stories. For example, the 2022 cohort’s work ranged from telling the story of immigrants’ journeys through fashion and dance to a visual ethnography illustrating the diversity of the Black diaspora. Artists from outside NYU participate too, joining panels and interviews led by members of the Tisch community.
For Danielle Gould, a Tisch senior majoring in Film and Television, meeting students at Week of Community events is invaluable. “Because the art world and entertainment industry is so collaborative, it’s important to foster interdisciplinary relationships,” says Danielle. “The school puts a tremendous amount of effort into building community. I’m lucky to have met some terrific collaborators from other departments.”
Beyond the Week of Community’s thought-provoking conversations and experiences, opportunities for fun and levity also abound. Students might interact with an ever-changing art experiment, catch a comedy routine, or win a prize in a scavenger hunt. Elsewhere, they might contribute to a puzzle or test their skills on a classic video game.
“When we can promote more opportunities for people to meet someone new, reconnect with those they haven’t seen in a while, and create kind and generous interactions among one another, we are all better for it,” says Green. “For students, this is a moment to deepen collaboration, consider new ways of thinking about their craft, and ultimately cultivate a more complete sense of their artistry and vision.”
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