The Mission Statement
of the Department of Visual Arts

The Mission of the Department of Visual Arts aims to encourage the creation of original material objects and virtual forms of fine arts and design, to perform utilitarian and cultural Land-Grant roles, and to develop a global perspective on contemporary human and physical environments.

Through practice, we:

·         inspire critical thinking and theory.

·         study and appreciate the aesthetics and history of ideas in art and design.

·         foster creative activities reflecting local, regional, national, or global contexts.

·         promote careers in the ever-changing fields of art and design.

·         encourage activities with direct and indirect impact on commerce.

·         esteem tolerant and socially responsible outcomes.

·         honor the personal freedom of all artists and designers.

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Historical Note:  Professor Ada B. Caldwell, the founder of the visual arts curricula at South Dakota State, described the Land Grant Mission as “Utility & Culture.” Since Caldwell’s tenure began in 1899, the creativity & commerce that art & design students, alumni & faculty lived out, have grown into global contexts. Utility & culture are practiced through curricular, creative, scholarly, research, service, & extracurricular activities.                                14 March 2006