DePauw launches the Creative School

As part of a preview of the DePauw University production of “Into the Woods,” set to premier the following night, DePauw University senior Jenna Reynolds portrays Florinda, one of Cinderella’s two stepsisters. The cast presented an excerpt of the play Wednesday as part of the formal launch of the Creative School at the university.

Courtesy DePauw University

Completes new three-school model

DePauw University has announced the launch of its Creative School, an initiative designed to nurture the next generation of artists, innovators and creative leaders.

Joining the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and School of Business and Leadership, this newest school is a critical component of DePauw's Bold & Gold 2027 Strategic Plan, reinforcing the university's commitment to academic excellence and preparing students for a rapidly evolving future.

The university formally launched the school Wednesday evening with a dedication that showed off some of the best the university has to offer from across the creative spectrum, including an excerpt from “Into the Woods,” a collaboration between the theater and music departments that runs this Thursday through Sunday at the Green Center for Performing Arts; three different vocal performances from the Institute of Music; two short films from the Film and Media Arts Program; creative writing readings; an art program overview; and a dance presentation from freshman Mya Adams.

Besides offering a taste of what the new school has to offer, the event also featured comments from some university leaders.

Board of Trustees Chairman Doug Smith called the school a “bold step forward” that will “shape education and creative practice here at DePauw for decades.”

Assistant professor of voice Janani Sridhar performs “Every Time I Feel the Spirit” during the launch festivities of the DePauw University Creative School Wednesday.

Courtesy DePauw University

Interdisciplinary Approach to Creativity

The Creative School adopts a unique interdisciplinary approach, combining various artistic disciplines, including art history, design studies, English writing, film and media arts, music, studio art, and theater. This model encourages collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas across media, enabling students to develop a comprehensive range of creative skills that span multiple disciplines.

Marcus Hayes, dean of the Creative School, emphasizes the importance of this approach.

”We want all our students to find ways for creativity to be an important part of their lives,” Hayes said. “By taking courses in various disciplines, students will develop an appreciation for beauty and innovation across various mediums."

Preparing Students for the Future of Creative Industries

The Creative School will equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today's interdisciplinary and fluid creative industries. The school emphasizes technology, providing the latest tools and moving students beyond basic skills to produce truly innovative and relevant work. This approach also addresses the implications of technology in creative fields, preparing students to be at the forefront of determining how technology can enhance human creativity rather than replace it.

In the final performance of the launch ceremony of the DePauw University Creative School Wednesday evening, freshman Mya Adams presents an interpretive dance to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.”

Courtesy DePauw University

Part of a Larger Vision for DePauw's Future

The Creative School is one of three interconnected schools established under DePauw's new model, alongside the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the School of Business and Leadership. This structure is designed to offer increased academic opportunities while expanding the potential for interdisciplinary connections.

President Lori S. White underscored the importance of this approach.

“This three-school model threads the liberal arts and sciences throughout every student's experience as academic bedrock,” White said. “It's the grounding for our academic innovation, for our interdisciplinary approaches and for unlocking every student's potential."

University leaders see the launch of the Creative School as representing “a significant step forward in DePauw's commitment to providing a comprehensive, forward-thinking education that prepares students to be leaders and innovators in an ever-changing world.”