The arts (music, literature, poetry, visual art and architecture, dance, film, theatre and the culinary arts) are languages of the soul, distinct from routine language. We turn to the arts to express our deepest feelings and to explore the mysteries of both the physical and spiritual realms. The arts reflect through sensorial means a celebration of God’s multifaceted and diverse creation. They incorporate passionate responses to all of life’s experiences. They reflect man’s search for meaning, and endeavor to make sense out of the fragmented pieces of our earthly existence.
President Barry Corey has named 2011-2012 the Year of the Arts. Two things prompted this declaration. For the past few years the Biola community has been in a heated open dialogue regarding the only piece of public art on campus, Kent Twitchell’s The Word mural. After much prayerful deliberation President Corey decided to have the mural restored and to help our community heal by refocusing attention on the many positive contributions the arts provide. At the very same time Roberta Ahmanson accepted a personal invitation from President Corey to become Biola’s 2011-2012 Visionary-In-Residence. Mrs. Ahmanson brings with her a wealth of intellectual and spiritual stimuli that will enliven and enrich our campus throughout the year. Mrs. Ahmanson has chosen Sacred Space as her theme.
It is President Corey’s desire that the topic of Sacred Space be investigated from many possible points of view throughout the university by a wide variety of constituencies both curricular and co-curricular. The arts are the engine driving this collaborative exploration with other disciplines and schools playing a supportive role. Since the arts naturally entail soul work, focusing on Sacred Space is a fitting and meaty theme for the Biola community to ponder.
The Year of the Arts is significant because it signals a major paradigm shift in Biola’s administration under the new leadership of President Barry Corey and Senior Vice President and Provost, David Nystrom. Both of these men not only understand the arts and the vital role the arts can play in the lives of all believers, but they are committed to promoting and supporting these areas within the university and beyond. Pray that the name of the Lord will be exalted and glorified as we celebrate His generous gift of the arts to us in all their various forms and expressions in the coming months.