AMPD’s top 10 moments of 2021
AMPD’s Top 10 Moments of 2021
2021 had its challenges. From adapting to online learning to navigating being back on campus for the first time in our new normal. Still, it was a year of excitement, progress and resilience. As we enter 2022, let’s reflect on just some of the many moments that made 2021 a special one at AMPD.
10. Like Mother, Like Son
Nicole Alexander graduated from our MFA program in Screenwriting this past June, 5 years after her son Morgan Fics did the same. These two became the first mother-son duo to complete MFA Screenwriting program.
9. Digital Media Shines in Everything Digital
The Digital Media End of Year Exhibition showcased stunning digital, interactive and cross-disciplinary projects. Their curatorial theme for the 2020-21 school year was “Invisibility:: Complexity:: Resistance:: Intentionality,” responding to the many ways we are affected by a global pandemic.
Projects include:
8. Celebrating Our Student Leaders
In May, we announced our inaugural Dean’s Student Leadership Award Winners, Gloria Mampuya and Natalia Morales Caceres.
Gloria was a co-founder of the IBPOC Artists Association, a student artist association created to support students across AMPD, where they served as President for the 2020-21 president.
Natalia showed a broad commitment to her fellow AMPD students in 2021. Natalia served on the Dean’s Student Advisory Committee, acted as the Vice President of Academic Affairs on CASA and held the President of the Film Students Association.
7. Music Makes a Mega Production
In any traditional year, AMPD music peppers us with an abundance of live shows in our various performance spaces throughout the school year. With everything moving online, the Music Department responded by combining the multiple showcases into three mega online events.
The digital showcases were very well received and featured remarkable visuals to make the event not only a foot-tapping listen but an enticing viewing experience. You can still watch these showcases on our YouTube channel.
6. York Dances Celebrates 50 years
April marked the 50th Anniversary of AMPD Dance. The event was hosted online and featured dancers performing together and apart. View it online here.
5. ∴ | Therefore
The AMPD Design Grad Show impressed us with designs in every discipline, from package design, editorial to user experience and even the website design for the showcase itself! The theme for YSDN 2021 was “∴”meaning “therefore,” “for that reason,” or “because of that,” reflecting the end of the Designers’ time as YSDN students.
4. Tunirrusiangit Revisited
Following its debut at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) in 2018, students enrolled in the Curatorial Placement seminar brought the ground-breaking “Tunirrusiangit” exhibition back to life in Virtual Reality in collaboration with ArtGate VR. In a year of limited contact, it was a powerful way to reintroduce crowds in art spaces.
3. Yorkies Storm the Canadian Screen Awards
There was a lot to celebrate, with over eight nominations across various disciplines for York U alums and faculty members. But the two shining stars of the night were @theatreyorku Prof. Michael Greyeyes, who won Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for his role in “Blood Quantum,” and Maya Bankovic (BFA Film’ 07), who won Best Cinematography for the Feature “Akilla’s Escape.”
If you want to learn from Professor Greyeyes this January, be sure to check out his FREE “Terry Talks” series hosted by the Department of Theatre.
2. New Methods of Study: Integrative Arts at AMPD
This year AMPD launched a one-of-a-kind Integrative Arts program. Combining artistic and technological skills with an emphasis on the transdisciplinary study of the arts and engagement in the creative industries, Integrative Arts takes place within a social justice and decolonial framework. The program is perfect for those who have a broad interest in the arts and want to bring change to the world using a variety of mediums.
1. So Good to See You Again: OWeek 2021
Fall 2021 marked a return to a semblance of normalcy. As the community gathered for Orientation Week, collaborated in creative spaces and grabbed meals at the Absinth Pub, the campus rejoiced in AMPD’s vibrant in-person community return. Although all universities are taking a slight pause on their in-person learning plans, here’s hoping the new year eventually brings us closer than ever!
