2014-2015 was a remarkable year for the Arts at the University of Virginia.

The Berlin Wall Symposium delivered a week-long multidisciplinary series of lectures, events and performances that used the arts as a window into the cultural, political and historical implications of one of the watershed moments of the 20th Century. Kevin Spacey presented a highly-entertaining second installment of the President’s Speaker Series for the Arts before 8,000 people at the John Paul Jones Arena, sharing stories about his incredible career and offering up a full-throated endorsement of the life-changing power of the arts. Les Miserables and Miss Saigon creators Claude Michel Schonberg and Alain Boubil worked with students, and heard selections from their shows performed by the University Singers, and discussed their fascinating careers over a three-day visit. The Charlottesville Symphony at the University of Virginia celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a remarkable season of concerts and events. And the record-smashing 27th Virginia Film Festival featured guests including Hal Holbrook, Ashley Judd, Frank Langella, Richard Roundtree, Barry Levinson, Katie Couric, Julian Bond, and Rita Dove.

Speaking of star power, international opera superstar Renée Fleming graciously offered a master class to our music students, and in the process gave them an experience they will never forget.

Also sharing world-renowned expertise with students this year was award-winning author James Salter, this year’sKapnick Distinguished Writer-in- Residence, and celebrated German photographer Thomas Struth. Salter taught an MFA workshop in addition to giving a number of lectures, while Struth worked with both our architecture and studio art students. The U.Va. Arts Board, a student-run board whose mission is to feature and present an outstanding artist, brought in Natalie Jeremijenko, an artist, engineer and inventor with a specialty in environmental and urban issues. Jeremijenko was at U.Va. for mini-residencies during which she worked with students and brought the conversation to the community through a collaboration with the Bridge PAI. I could go on, but I think you get the picture that these are exciting times on the Betsy and John Casteen Arts Grounds and beyond! I hope you enjoy this second issue of the U.Va. Arts Magazine, which highlights many of the stories referenced above and much more, including the remarkable creative work and collaborations being worked on by our students and faculty.

Mr. Spacey, during his speech, praised U.Va. for being on the front lines in terms of our commitment to the arts. We are inspired by this statement and take it as even further encouragement to continue, and to expand our arts offerings that so enrich the lives of our students and our community.