Campus Leaders Break Ground on New Arts Center

Chancellor Michael Drake and Claire Trevor School of the Arts Dean Nohema Fernández were joined by other campus and community leaders Feb. 21 to break ground for a 38,000-square-foot New Media Arts Center at the school. More than 175 people joined the celebration — including Irvine Mayor Beth Krom, longstanding community supporters of the arts, and founding and longtime faculty members such as James Penrod, Robert Cohen, Colin Slim, El Gabriel and Peter Odegard.

“It’s exciting that we are creating a physical space that brings people together and animates our strategic plan,” said Drake.

Slated for completion in spring 2010, the New Media Arts Center will include an exhibition gallery, a multimedia performance space, a motion capture studio, as well as production labs, offices and studios.

UC Irvine Foundation Trustee Kris Elftmann, Chancellor Drake, arts Dean Nohema Fernández and Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost Michael Gottfredson ceremonially break ground for the new structure.

Chancellor Drake talks with student performers from the Claire Trevor School of the Arts at a reception following the groundbreaking.

Chancellor Drake celebrates the groundbreaking for the New Media Arts Center with founding drama faculty member Robert Cohen.

Claire Trevor School of the Arts
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