Post Type Archives: News Articles

Karen Burke, Chair of the Music Department at York University, has been instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of Black gospel music in academia. Since 2005, she established the first courses of this kind at York, emphasizing the interconnectedness of gospel and jazz in African American musical traditions. Burke's influential efforts have played a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive academic environment, including her mentorship of Darren Hamilton, who established the University of Toronto’s first Gospel Music course.

The Final Mile Club (FMC) prepares emerging artists, makers, performers, and designers for life after graduation. As a project by York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD), FMC examines creatives’ unique challenges through conversations with prominent alumni and industry experts.

Councillor Amanda Yeung Collucci, Ward 6, Councillor for Markham, has established a scholarship award for students studying Creative Technologies at York University's Markham Campus. Councillor Collucci’s Markham Spring Gala event contributed the $25,000 award to encourage students to strive for academic excellence and make positive contributions to society.

Moving Matter, a short film co-created by actor, director and York University alumnus Beau Han Bridge, will see its world premiere at the Dance on Camera Festival at the Film at Lincoln Center venue in New York City.

The Art Gallery of York University (AGYU) recently announced the official launch of the York University Art Collection Online, a searchable database providing students, scholars and the public with access to York’s valued art collection. This digital resource houses nearly 2,000 artworks by local, national and international artists, spanning a wide range of artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, prints, photography and new media.

Fifty high school students will have the rare opportunity of learning from Juno-winning artists at York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design (AMPD), thanks to a $40,000 donation from the Nick Nurse Foundation (NNF), July 24 to 28

A $100,000 donation from the Justice Fund will provide financial support for 14 Black and Indigenous students to attend York University's School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD).

During Florent Nikiéma's guest artist residency at York University from October 14 to November 3, a screening of the biographical documentary MABOUNGOU: Being in the World was hosted by the Department of Dance and the Harriet Tubman Institute on November 1. Nikiéma collaborated with the York Dance Ensemble, creating a new piece, and also guest-taught in various dance and music courses, as well as Drama and Creative Arts programs at Glendon.

York University's Department of Dance recently presented Dance Innovations 2023: Infinite Corners, a dynamic showcase held at the McLean Performance Studio from November 22 to 24. Featuring the creative choreographic works of 25 fourth-year BFA majors performed by students in various levels of York's Dance programs, the event explored the post-pandemic theme of moving forward and redefining collaborative efforts. Guided by dedicated faculty, the collaboration between students and mentors highlighted the resilience and evolution of emerging talents in the face of challenging times.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recently unveiled the shortlists for several categories for the upcoming 96th Oscars ceremony, including Documentary Feature. Among the contenders is "To Kill a Tiger," a compelling film directed by Toronto-based filmmaker Nisha Pahija and produced by Cornelia Principe, an accomplished alumnus of York University. The documentary also boasts the expertise of Manfred Becker, a Cinema & Media Arts Professor at AMPD, who served as the story editor.