By Kaci Van Horlick

My research choice is how arts and culture are displayed at Capilano University. I will be using multiple research methods in a journalistic way. I have asked my fellow peers about their thoughts on the art and culture they experience on campus. My own research on the topic will include topics such as indigenous studies and programs, history of art at Capilano University, and changes that have been made in both areas. My goal is to figure out what the students think about the identity that the University has created and what energy it produces around campus.

To start, I researched some history of Capilano University. It was founded in 1968, but classes were held at night at West Vancouver Secondary School. The main campus opened in 1973. As we all know, Capilano University is known for its artistic ability. Many artists flourish here. From the time it opened its gates, there was creative ability spewing from all angles. Ashley Loo, a journalist from the Capilano Courier, wrote about one of the first students that attended the, at the time, college. The student was keen on planning parties and celebrating her youth. I use this example because art does not only refer to paintings and music, but that art can be expressed through many versions of creativity. Now, Capilano is swimming in art. To celebrate the 50th birthday of the University, the school painted many large murals. Art has become a significant scene at Capilano University, from filmmaking, fine arts, media, etc. On top of that, there are three different areas of art programs to choose from. As for cultural studies, they have many options for indigenous students to choose from. For example, they have Indigenous Independent Digitial Filmmaking Diploma, Lil’ wat Nation Language & Culture Certificate, Sechelt Nation Language and Culture Certificate and Squamish Nation Language and Culture Certificate. Capilano also has a student center that provides the opportunity to bring all of the students of all nations to learn indigenous traditions, languages and values.

I reached out to some of my peers about their ideas of the art and culture around campus. I asked several questions using a relaxed journalistic methodology. I asked open-ended questions about their experiences. I then jotted them down in my notebook. I used this method because I wanted to get as many opinions as I could. Without using a sophisticated journalistic style, I was able to reach out to many people in a somewhat comfortable nature. My questions varied from, “what types of art you see around campus?” to, “how does the amount of art around campus affect the energy you feel while on campus?” These questions were for me to understand what Identity Capilano has made for itself and how it affects a student’s daily university experience. The information that I gathered was expected, but interesting to find the point of views from a diverse variety of students and professors at Capilano. A common opinion was that the murals recently painted around campus were quite a hit. People enjoyed the energy the liveliness of the art and found that the combination of the rainforest and the modern art made a unique environment. Others found that the campus is a tranquil area of refuge, as some students noted that in a particular area of the library by the windows, you have a perfect view of the rainforest and the mural on the cedar building. I found this information compelling because it informs me that students feel relaxed while studying, while a familiar feeling of studying is intense and forced in a library surrounded by books. The art mixed with nature on the campus gives a calming atmosphere for students and encourages them to spend time in the library.

When I asked students around campus where they would potentially like to see more art around the school, some students suggested inside the buildings. They found that there is a lack of art on the interior side of some of the student buildings. I find this to be interesting that students thought that there is an overwhelming amount of art and culture on the exterior areas of Capilano University and not as much on the inside. Although culturally, there are more activities and resources available on campus. For art, however, other than the Bosa Centre for film and animation, there is not a lot of areas where creativity is accessible on display.

I took the information that I accumulated, and I addressed the info I had rationally. I assumed that not everyone knew a lot about all of the programs and resources that are available at Capilano. I also thought that people around the school have different tastes and different opinions toward art. Therefore, the art and culture would not be valid for all students the same way they are to other students. Capilano University has been encouraging their students to take part in more activities relating to art and culture. This has been a power move for Capilano and not only recently becoming a University but also being known for the art students that have come through North Vancouver. Many people take part in the programs available at Capilano and feel they strive under the conditions at the school, because of its smaller class sizes.

In conclusion, I have discovered that the students around campus do feel as though the art and culture that is on display around campus, does impact them. They feel as though the areas of refuge are made increasingly relaxing because of the mix of original and modern art through the use of murals and nature. The identity Capilano University has created for themselves is one of culture and art mixed with the nature of the surrounding rainforest, which prepares students incredibly more motivated and influences their academic success.

References:

History of Cap:

Cap Website – Our History page:

https://www.capilanou.ca/about-capu/get-to-know-us/our-history/