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History

College of Fine Arts History

The College was developed from the School of Architecture, which was established in 1925. In 1975, the previous College of Architecture and Fine Arts was divided into two colleges, the College of Architecture and the College of Fine Arts. In 2010, the College of Fine Arts celebrated its 35th anniversary. Many programs, however, have flourished since the University's earliest days. The Gator Band got its start in 1914, and the Men's Glee Club was founded in 1907. The painting and drawing programs began in 1929 and became the basis for the School of Art + Art History.

Historic Timeline

1924

University Auditorium opened.

1925

Andrew Anderson Memorial Pipe Organ dedicated.

1927

Music program organized. Director coordinated performance activities including Gator Band (1914) and Men's Glee Club (1907).

1929

Painting and drawing program established within the School of Architecture and Allied Arts.

1931

UF's theatre program traces its roots to 1931 when Florida Players was organized.

1934

The first BFA degrees in Fine Arts awarded.

1948

Division of Music organized. The painting and drawing program became the Department of Art.

1956

College of Architecture and Fine Arts created with a Division of Fine Arts (Departments of Art and Music) and a Division of Architecture and Allied Arts (Departments of Architecture, Building Construction and Community Planning).

1965

Architecture and Fine Arts complex, including University Gallery, completed. Art Department's Annual Art Faculty Exhibition inaugurated.

1967

Constans Theatre opened.

1971

Music Building dedicated with a festival featuring American composer, Aaron Copland.

1974

Friends of Music organized.

1975

College of Architecture and Fine Arts divided into two colleges. Department of Theatre created. Joseph Sabotella became the first Dean of the College of Fine Arts (1975-1990).

1977

University Auditorium renovated with new lobby and Friends of Music Room.

1979

Century Tower Carillon dedicated.

1988

Center for the Arts and Public Policy established.

1990

Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art opened. Donald McGlotlin became Dean of the College of Fine Arts (1990-2005).

1992

Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts opened.

1993

Renovated Andrew Anderson Memorial Pipe Organ dedicated in gala music festival.

1994

UF became partner of the award-winning New World School of the Arts in Miami.

1996

Center for World Arts established.

1998

Academic units renamed: School of Art and Art History, School of Music, Department of Theatre and Dance.

1999

Center for the Arts in Healthcare Research and Education established.

2000

Digital Worlds Institute, co-sponsored by Colleges of Fine Arts and Engineering, established. Baughman Meditation Center dedicated. University of Florida Performing Arts established.

2004

Nadine McGuire Theatre and Dance Pavilion, including renovated Constans Theatre, dedicated as new home of the newly named School of Theatre and Dance.

2006

Lucinda Lavelli became Dean of the College of Fine Arts (2006-Present).

2007

University Auditorium renovated.

2008

Steinbrenner Band Hall dedicated. Friends of Theatre and Dance organized.

2009

School of Music became an "All-Steinway" school.

2010

The College launched it's first distance education program, and online (with summer studio residency) Masters of Arts program Arts Education.

2011

WARPHaus and 4MOST Gallery opens in Gainesville's urban core (SW 6th Ave. and SW 4th St.)

2012

Center for Arts in Healthcare Research and Education rebrands as Center for Arts in Medicine. The College launched distance education graduate certificate programs in Arts Administration and Arts in Medicine and a distance education Masters of Music in Music Education.

UF

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