Congratulations, Class of 2021!
You made it! You are now one of over 9000 Fine Arts alumni worldwide who studied at UVic—and have the distinction of graduating during the most difficult year in our history.
As part of an esteemed group of artists and creative thinkers, you are poised to embrace the adventures that lie ahead. Believe in yourself. You are ready.
At the same time, I encourage you to thank the people who supported and mentored you throughout your education. Give back to society by contributing to the issues that you care about passionately. Use the knowledge and skills you learned during your degree to make a difference for your family, your community, the planet.
As you pursue new opportunities, remember that you will always be a valued member of the Faculty of Fine Arts. No matter the career path you follow or how far away your life takes you, keep in touch. Let us know about your projects and events, so we can celebrate your accomplishments.
In the meantime, please know that we are all very proud to call you a UVic Fine Arts grad!
—Dr. Allana Lindgren, Dean of Fine Arts
Congratulations, Class of 2021!
While we are still unable to gather in person for convocation, UVic remains proud of the resilience you have shown in these ever-changing times. To mark the occasion, UVic has created a virtual graduation experience, where the university community can join in the celebration of your great achievement.
This video includes messages from your fellow graduates, including Art History & Visual Studies student Saad Salman. “We have learned so much and really gone through so much upheaval and stress with the global pandemic,” he says, “but it means we’re really ready to take on the world and whatever it throws at us.”
Fine Arts
grad message
In addition to UVic’s campus-wide message, Acting Dean of Fine Arts Allana Lindgren also shares her own inspiring video message to our graduates.
“I’m not sure I have any advice to offer, but if I were to share one thought, it’s this: exhale,” she says. “You completed a university degree during a pandemic—and if you can do that, you can do anything.”
Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts: Eric Metcalfe
A Governor General’s Award-winning artist, Visual Arts alumnus Eric Metcalfe (BFA with distinction, 1972) is also a curator, teacher and community builder whose work is associated with the international Fluxus movement.
Co-founder of Vancouver’s long-running Western Front artist-run centre, Metcalfe’s work is held in numerous private and public collections, including The National Gallery of Canada, New York’s Museum of Modern Art and the UVic Art Collection.
Pop Anthology, a retrospective of his work, will run at UVic’s Legacy Maltwood Gallery from October 2021 to March 2022.
Fine Arts Certificates & Diplomas
In addition to our degree programs, Fine Arts also confers certificates and diplomas for specific programs.
“We are honoured that you chose to pursue your studies and dreams at the Faculty of Fine Arts,” says Acting Associate Dean, Adam Con. “We wish you much success in your future endeavours. Congratulations!”
You’ll also hear messages from our program partners, Tracey Kim Bonneau of the En’owkin Centre and Tania Muir of UVic’s Continuing Studies.
Victoria Medal Winner: Boyana Makedonska
Each year, the Victoria Medal is awarded to the Fine Arts undergraduate student earning the highest GPA. This year, we are proud to celebrate School of Music student Boyana Makedonska with this special message from Acting Dean Allana Lindgren.
You can also enjoy this video of Boyana’s degree recital, as she performs selections by Schumann, Bach, Beethoven and Ravel.
Art History & Visual Studies
“On behalf of the department, I want to offer you all sincere congratulations on your achievement on graduating in the year of 2021,” says department chair Marcus Milwright. “It’s always a great achievement to come to the end of a degree program—but particularly in this year, with all of its challenges, you should be especially proud with what you’ve managed to achieve.”
Also seen in this congratulatory video are faculty representatives Catherine Harding, Eva Baboula, Erin Campbell, Melia Belli Bose (seen left) and Victoria Wyatt.
School of Music
“Congratulations! I hope you’ve had a wonderful experience at UVic and we’re so excited for what you’ll achieve in the future,” notes acting School of Music director Steven Capaldo. “Wherever you go to next you’ll have our best and warmest wishes.”
Joining Dr. Capaldo in this congratulatory video are faculty representatives Benjamin Butterfield, Inez St. Denis, Kirk McNally and Ajtony Csaba.
Theatre
“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our graduating students after a challenging year unlike any I have ever experienced,” says Department of Theatre chair Dr. Anthony Vickery.
“Having been through this kind of year together, you will not quickly forget the bonds you have formed with your fellow classmates . . . . Best wishes and good luck in your future endeavours.”
Please enjoy this video of the Theatre department’s annual Farewell to Grads presentation.
2021 Theatre grads will receive their Phoenix diploma in the mail, along with this glossy, full-colour photo book compiling wonderful memories of your last four years at the Phoenix. (Extra copies for parents or friends can be ordered online directly.)
Visual Arts
“I wanted to take this time to steer the conversation away from this pandemic year and talk about your individual success over your whole time in the Department of Visual Arts,” says professor Megan Dickie.
“Two years ago, a bunch of the teachers in the department were talking about this amazing group of second-year students . . . . You have shown us things we never thought were going to be able to be accomplished in this year. I want you all to know you’re all really special.”
You’ll also hear a short message from department chair Cedric Bomford.
Virtual Exhibition
Writing
“It’s my honour to speak on behalf of the department,” says acting chair Kevin Kerr.
“What a year! Look what you did. Just getting through the year was triumph enough but in that year you also finished your degree—you’re graduates, and we couldn’t be prouder . . . . We’re going to miss you. While we applaud your success, we also mourn the reality that we also have to say goodbye to some of our favourite teachers: you.”
You’ll also hear from faculty representatives Tim Lilburn, Gregory Scofield, Marita Dachsel (seen left), Kathryn Mockler and David Leach.