UNT and Jamaican Colleges Sign MOU for Academic and Cultural Collaboration in the Arts and Arts Education
Kingston, Jamaica, and Denton, Texas – The Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts and the University of North Texas have recently entered a Memorandum of Understanding to foster academic and cultural exchanges in arts and art education. This partnership aims to enhance education, research, and cultural diversity through various collaborative efforts.
The agreement aims to develop and engage in academic and cultural interchange in education, research, and related activities.
“This written agreement provides a clear pathway toward purposeful programming and collaboration between the two institutions and the two cultural regions of Kingston, Jamaica and Denton-Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. International partnerships generally support advancing cultural understanding and enhance scholarship and education. EMCVPA is the premier arts college of the English-speaking Caribbean; Jamaica has an international reputation for its reggae music, which one can see throughout the arts and culture of Jamaica. In CVAD, we look forward to hosting artists and scholars, enacting collaborative online courses for students at both institutions and pursuing student and faculty exchanges for the benefit of both institutions.” says Karen Hutzel, Ph.D., dean of the UNT College of Visual Arts and Design.
“We are thrilled about this MOU, which symbolizes a commitment to enriching our educational and research landscapes while celebrating cultural diversity. This collaboration is a significant step toward fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment where creativity and innovation flourish. Together, we aim to inspire and support our students and faculty, creating opportunities for profound artistic and academic growth,” says EMCVPA Interim Principal Dorrett Campbell.
The memorandum of understanding outlines a series of collaborative initiatives to enhance the academic and cultural exchange between the institutions involved. Key initiatives include the joint development of curricula, establishing credit transfer programs, and facilitating course enrollment for both students and faculty. Additionally, the MOU promotes faculty and student exchange programs designed to foster cultural enrichment, academic study, internships, and teaching opportunities.
Another significant aspect of the MOU is creating and implementing joint degree and certificate programs. This includes hosting visiting faculty members for teaching and research purposes and strengthening the institutions' academic ties.
The MOU also emphasizes promoting scholarship through various collaborative efforts. This includes joint art, music, and education research projects supported by seminars, workshops, and conferences. There is a particular focus on studying historical and contemporary Caribbean art.
The exchange of scholarly information, such as research papers, books, and educational materials, is encouraged to enhance the academic resources available to both institutions. Furthermore, the MOU supports the collaborative production of cross-Caribbean exhibitions and performances, showcasing the region's artistic and cultural heritage.
The institutions will also extend invitations to each other for participation in national and international scholarly meetings and conferences, fostering a broader academic network. Finally, opportunities for student exchanges will be explored, enabling collaborative or independent research endeavors that contribute to students' academic growth and development.
Edna Manley (b.1900–d.1987) is one of Jamaica's most important artists and arts educators. Although she is known primarily as a sculptor, her oeuvre includes significant drawings and paintings. Born in Bournemouth, Dorset, England, her early training was in the British neoclassical tradition.
This partnership between EMCVPA and UNT represents a significant step in fostering educational and cultural ties, promoting academic excellence, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of both institutions.
Image: 1) EMCVPA sign on a brick wall; 2) Five high school students who selected EMCVPA as their college choice.
Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts
I Arthur Wint Drive, Kingston 5, Jamaica
College of Visual Arts and Design
University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #305100, Denton, Texas 76203-5017
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University of North Texas
Founded in 1890, As one of the nation's largest universities, we offer 112 bachelor's, 94 master's and 38 doctoral degree programs. UNT's faculty and staff work daily to prepare students for the challenges they will meet in our changing world by providing access, welcoming diversity, and strengthening our collaborations with our many educational, business and community partners. Learn more on the UNT website at unt.edu.
College of Visual Arts and Design
The College of Visual Arts and Design will celebrate 130 years of teaching art and 30 years as a separate art school on Oct. 28, 2023. UNT’s College of Visual Arts and Design is one of the nation’s most comprehensive visual arts schools at a public university, offering 29 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and concentrations in areas ranging from art history to communication design to new media art. The college includes several institutes and centers, including the renowned Texas Fashion Collection, and three art galleries to showcase student and professional work. Considered one of the best art schools in the South and Southwest, the College of Visual Arts and Design offers the first and only Ph.D. program in art education in Texas and the top-ranked program in Communication Design for Graphic Design. Learn more at cvad.unt.edu. Follow our CVAD News and Views site at news.cvad.unt.edu.
