SCAD’s new Alumni Atelier program invites SCAD graduates to return to their home base for inspiration, peace of mind and funding while they create a new art piece.
The idea for the Alumni Atelier program came straight from SCAD president, Paula Wallace, who personally jumpstarted the program and has funded it to date. Atelier Program Coordinator, Grace Grund said, “President Wallace is always thinking about the students and how to best help them nurture new ideas.”
The program unofficially began in the summer of 2015 at SCAD’s Lacoste, France campus and was permanently established at the Atlanta and Savannah campuses this fall. The eight-week residency program begins when a SCAD alumnus (or a small team of alumni) submits a request and their project proposal to the program, both of which are reviewed by professors and staff.
Grund said, “We’re looking for talent; for someone who will create something groundbreaking, something that would be great for the university and establishing our creative genius.” If the alum’s request is approved, he or she will become an Alumni Atelier Ambassador and prepare to return to SCAD.
SCAD Alumni Atelier ambassadors are awarded up to $25,000 for travel costs, meals, supplies and honoraria, which the artists receive when the final art piece is given to SCAD’s collection.
Grund said, “It’s equally important that the ambassador returns to their alma mater as it is they complete their work.” Because, during the ambassador’s return to SCAD, they are expected to fill that title.
Grund explained that they are expected to share their real-world experiences with students, perhaps through hosting a class or lecture series. She said, “It’s a valuable opportunity for current students to learn about real-life experiences. The ambassador gets to come back to the college atmosphere and current students get to learn about what’s out there after college. It’s a really healthy, nurturing process – like an ecosystem, really!”
They also serve as SCAD’s ambassador to the rest of the professional, creative world. Grund said, “They become spokespersons to share stories about the SCAD family, we hope to establish the program as an important part of the legacy.” This aspect of the program will potentially bring in more support from outside patrons, to make the program more self-sufficient.
Grund emphasized that, though alumni from all majors and degree programs are welcome, the Alumni Atelier program is very selective, looking for the most creative people, suggesting the most innovative projects. One of the current ambassadors, Jordan Graves, graduated from SCAD with a degree in Motion Media Design in 2012. She runs Repeat Offfender, a business she founded to design and create 3D printed jewelry. Her Alumni Atelier project in progress is a site specific, light interactive art installation based on her jewelry designs.
The Alumni Atelier program in Savannah is housed in the new Forsyth Hall, where around five or six ambassadors will be able to live and work once the building is fully renovated.
Written by Shelby Loebker.
