At the University, several arts and theater groups compete for limited performance space. Because the Culbreth and Helms Theatres are reserved for the drama department, student artists often find themselves in spaces that are far from ideal.
One venue allows students to host arts events in a space some artists have found favorable compared to University venues. The Garden is located at the corner of Jefferson Park and Brandon Avenues and is operated by Eunoia, a student-run collegiate ministry whose name means "beautiful thinking."
Daniel Garner, director of networking and a fourth-year College student, said The Garden caters to specific needs of artists and performers. During fall 2009, he said, the space was renovated to add sound systems, projectors and gallery lights. The facility opened in August, Director Evan Hansen said, and has since hosted shows from several different artists and events such as open mic nights and dance performances.
Eunoia also has opened its doors to individual artists hoping to share their work. Second-year College student David Cook, who presented his first solo art show Sept. 25, is one of the students who have taken advantage of the venue thus far.
"They offered me the space for free," Cook said, adding that Euonia even provided refreshments for the event, which more than 150 people came to see.
If an arts group charges admission for its event, then Euonia usually will ask for a percentage of the door receipts. If the group does not charge admission, however, then use of The Garden is offered free of charge. Non-arts groups, such as community speakers, are able to reserve the space at rate of $300 per night.
Finding such an inexpensive and easily accessible performance area is difficult for University students, Cook explained.
"The arts at U.Va. are kind of pushed off to the side," he said. "It's hard to be an artist here when the University almost seems to put the arts second."
The lack of suitable arts venues on Grounds makes it difficult for artists to work, he said, and the arts department itself is localized to a small group of buildings far from Central Grounds. Evan Shields, vice president for organizations for Student Council, said he has heard concerns from students who desire a better space to put on shows and host events.
"Students have made major concerns regarding performing arts space at the University on Speak Up UVA," he said. "We hear the concerns, and we advocate on behalf of those groups, but it's going to require a major investment from the University in student art spaces for the future."
Cook said The Garden is a good first step toward making the University more arts-friendly.
Still, The Garden is not the only workspace available for student arts organizations. Organizations can rent space at a variety of buildings on Grounds including Newcomb Theater and the Student Activities Building.
The rental fees for both of these buildings are slightly less than those for The Garden. The theater is available for student groups at $75 per night and the SAB at $100. Rates are higher for non-University events. Shields said groups may also apply for funding from the Council to go toward renting out these spaces.
Fourth-year College student Jeffrey Luppino-Esposito, who co-wrote and directed last year's musical "Sorting Through," said the facility has many benefits compared to on-Grounds buildings.
"The [Garden] has some fairly spacious rooms, lots of seating, and a particular warmth that makes for a great performance space over some of the more sterile locations that the University has to offer ... The SAB is a workable space, but there are so many groups that want to use it, and it doesn't have much to offer besides physical space," he said.
Garner said beyond providing artists with a workspace, Euonia seeks to create an artistic network within the University community. Several events are held on Grounds everyday, but many organizations lack the means or connections to effectively publicize their events. Garner believes "lots of events have low attendance simply because people don't hear about them." By fostering a single environment where several groups come together, Garner hopes Euonia will make it easier for students to learn about upcoming artistic events.
"Artists shouldn't have to worry about publicity, renting equipment, or filling out paperwork," Garner said. "They should just be able to come and present [their work]"
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