As a UW-Madison student, I hear all about the university's impressive research record. Billions of dollars in funding, hundreds of talented faculty members, thousands of dedicated graduate students, dozens of fantastic innovations that are indubitably making the world a better, easier place to live. It's hard not to feel proud when inundated with such strong statistics, but I wonder how that attention to the ""hard"" sciences affects me.
Don't get me wrong, I will never underestimate the power and usefulness of scientific research. But occasionally I worry that my fellow humanities cohorts and my contributions will be overlooked in favor of a sea of scientific process. I worry that our programs will be the first things to get cut, without too much remorse, when the budget gets tight. I am generally right to worry, as the news seems to constantly report cuts to the humanities here, the dropping of arts programs there.
What is fascinating about our own world-renowned research institution is that I need not fret. The UW, thanks in part to Chancellor Biddy Martin herself, strives constantly to welcome the arts and humanities to our campus. Year-long program series, huge film festivals and state-matched humanities grants enliven the campus' art scene and add to Madison's overall artistic landscape.
But even more thrilling than that is walking into the brand new, sparkling Union South which is a reminder of how much UW-Madison values the arts. The building flows with modern, welcoming, curving architecture and art is built into its walls and partitions. It offers gallery space, a wonderful movie theater that rivals those of Sundance Cinema and fountains that are as lovely as they are environmentally friendly.
Like its neighbor, the new Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, Union South is contemporary, vibrant, classy and fun. Since its grand opening on April 15, it has already hosted big-name concerts, Oscar-winning and nominated movies, even an internationally themed party with bellydancers and a live DJ. But also like its WID neighbor, Union South ably creates a space for everyone, regardless of their major. Even though it lies within the engineering center of campus, the building really offers something for everyone, from a study space, to a fun night out with friends.
I realize I am gushing over the new union, partly due to novelty, I'm sure. As it becomes a normal part of campus, its features will seem obvious and not entirely worth discussion. What is crucial now, though, is that we show how much we appreciate the fact that the arts and humanities are not lost. We need to recognize that art is what reenergizes us during a study break or lets us unwind after a stressful exam. We need to acknowledge that the people in charge of our campus accoutrements recognize that too. We need to note that this school does not merely lead the nation and the world into the scientific discoveries of the future—it also boasts some of the strongest, most involved and incorporated arts resources to be seen. I feel perfectly safe in applying to graduate school in the humanities, even overseas, knowing that I found training and experiences in these buildings.
Within a month, I have seen nearly a dozen movies on campus screens, explored the Chazen Museum of Art with Fred Wilson and have danced my heart out to music from around the world. On top of this, I know of several talks I couldn't attend, exhibits I haven't yet seen and art enthusiasts with whom I couldn't interact. In spring especially, when people emerge from the warm interior of their homes to enjoy the (albeit inconsistently) warm outdoors, the campus bustles with liveliness and every day a new event begs to be attended and savored. I intend to experience all the energy that the UW gives to its diverse community. What is truly beautiful about that energy is that it comes from the laboratory and the creative mind alike, and neither is respected less than the other.
