UTSC students bring their ARTSIDEOUT

With autumn approaching, October is known amongst many in the GTA as the month of art.  With Nuit Blanche underway, the Scarborough community will have its own version of an outdoor art festival as the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) campus grounds will transform into one blank canvas.

On Oct. 6, students will have the chance to showcase their talent as they invite community members to view, listen and even participate in the day-long festival.  The annual art event titled ARTSIDEOUT (ASO) is now in its fourth consecutive year and couldn’t be stronger according to Artistic Director, Mike Miljanovic.

“Since its foundation, ASO has grown into the largest art festival on campus, and has become a regular event at UTSC,” Miljanovic said.

ASO’s leading objective is to transform normal work-spaces into creative pieces that will illustrate the uniqueness of the school’s community.

Last year, an estimated 2,000 guests attended the event, and this year Miljanovic hopes the numbers will surpass last year’s.

“I’m hoping that we’ve done a better job at marketing ASO than it has been done in the past,” he said.

The event will feature the work of over 40 artists and 20 performers, each showcasing various forms of art and culture.  Miljanovic says many musicians have been preparing for the event since early May, while others, like graffiti artists, will showcase their talent live the day of.

Performance Director for ASO 2011, Jason Dallas, hopes the event will help encourage the public to appreciate the students’ hard work and preparation. He believes UTSC’s talent is like no other.

“ASO is really about promoting the importance of art at UTSC. … More importantly, the campus has amazing artists from all disciplines. Even if the majority of them don’t come to UTSC to study art, it remains a strong aspect of student life,” he said.

The event aims to encourage and inspire Scarborough youth to transform their artistic abilities into creative masterpieces.  Dallas, an artist himself, says art not only affects the lives of students, but plays a crucial role for most in today’s society.

“Art is important because it is all encompassing.  Everyone can participate in it or appreciate it.  It has such an impact on all of our lives, often without us knowing it. And speaking from experience as a music student, merely soaking it in has the power to enrich all aspects of one’s life.”

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By: Erica Tiangco
Posted: Sep 19 2011 2:05 pm
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Filed under: Arts & Life
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