Announcing VCFA’s Exciting New Chapter as a CalArts Affiliate!
VCFA is now officially part of the CalArts family!
Dear VCFA Community,
It is with immense pride and excitement that I officially announce the successful completion of our transaction with CalArts, effective August 2, 2024, marking the beginning of our new chapter as an affiliate. This partnership heralds a future where VCFA will become one of the world’s most accessible MFA-only programs. In an era where many institutions are facing significant challenges, VCFA will not only uphold its model of progressive education but also evolve, ensuring that future generations can experience the unparalleled sense of community and artistic growth that VCFA offers.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Ravi Rajan, President of CalArts, and the CalArts board, particularly board chair Charmaine Jefferson, for their unwavering support and collaboration. Their commitment has been instrumental in bringing us to this moment. We look forward to working closely with the CalArts team through our shared-services model, adding new internal and external capabilities to ensure our community has what it needs to thrive in an ever-changing and dynamic world of art.
A special recognition goes to President Emeritus Leslie Ward, whose vision and leadership have been crucial in positioning us rapidly for this significant milestone. I am also profoundly thankful for our board’s steadfast support, especially our board chair, Mike Goldstein, guiding us through numerous challenging conversations, which have been pivotal in navigating us to this point.
I must also express heartfelt thanks to my leadership cabinet, with special recognition to Katie Gustafson. Her tireless dedication and hard work have been vital in ensuring this successful transition. Without Katie’s unwavering commitment, VCFA might have faced a less desirable outcome.
To our entire community, your support throughout this transition has been invaluable. Over the past seven months, I have dedicated every moment to one goal: saving VCFA. Your belief in our mission has been a source of strength and motivation.
As we look ahead, I am filled with optimism and anticipation for the future. I look forward to celebrating this new chapter with all of you in the coming months, particularly during our inaugural residency at CalArts this January. It is an honor and a humbling privilege to lead VCFA at a time when the world needs artists and our community more than ever.
Thank you for being a part of this remarkable journey!
Warmest regards,
Andrew Ramsammy
Interim President, Vermont College of Fine Arts