Jonathan Fohrman
Dean of Arts and International Languages
MiraCosta College
October, as National Arts & Humanities Month, is a time to consider and celebrate the impact that the arts have on our lives and communities. At the present time, it’s difficult to think about the arts without considering the substantial impact that the era of social-distancing has wrought on the arts sector, with many institutions shuttered for months on end, and countless livelihoods impacted.
Yet, though we may be engaging with the arts differently, they have continued to be as essential as ever during the months of isolation, as many of us spent ever more time accessing arts remotely to make our days and nights more enjoyable and meaningful; from streaming film and music to dusting off that old guitar, or engaging in new crafts projects. During such times of misfortune, loss, and isolation, the arts off er impactful opportunities for connection, renewal, and hope.
Studies are just beginning to document the staggering scope of the economic impact of the closures on the creative sector and wider economy, and it will undoubtedly take longer to grasp the full picture, not to mention the social and psychological tolls. Yet, the adversity has also spurred creativity and innovation, as artists and arts organizations seek to continue their work and contribute to our community and culture through new mechanisms. I encourage you to look for some of the programs currently available through the City of Carlsbad and assorted arts organizations.
Educational institutions have similarly been challenged to continue to fulfill their missions with their doors closed. As the dean of arts and international languages at MiraCosta College, it is a privilege to work with an incredible faculty who spent countless hours last spring as they quickly adapted our programs for online instruction. They handled this change with considerable diligence, creativity, and care for students and their learning. Thanks to their eff orts, we were still able to share many of our events with the community last spring, including: an online student art exhibit; a moving, original production which told local stories of coming home from military service (directed by Professor Tracy Williams), as well as an incredibly moving and entertaining dance concert, Dancing Alone Together (directed by Professor Dave Massey).
As these programs continue to be taught online, MCC Faculty are adopting new methodologies, software, and materials in an effort to optimize instruction across a wide range of subjects, many of which were not previously taught online. In the months ahead, we will continue to present performances and exhibits online; these will be announced on our website www.miracosta.edu.
Our performance season opens on October 26, with The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (directed by Tracy Williams). From October to December, we will be presenting a variety of free dance and music concerts, art exhibits, and a further theatrical production. We have long valued the strong support and engagement of our community, and I hope you will consider attending our upcoming events. We look forward to welcoming you back in person as soon as we can.