Faculty of Creation and Habitat Redefines Accountability with Immersive Dance Performance
[City, State] – Forget bullet points and pie charts. The Faculty of Creation and Habitat at [University Name] just delivered its annual accountability report in a way no one saw coming: through a breathtaking, multisensory dance performance. This isn’t just a quirky change of pace; it’s a bold statement about the faculty’s core values – creativity, interdisciplinarity, and a deep connection to the world around them. This is a breaking news story that’s rewriting the rules of how institutions share their progress.
From PowerPoint to Performance: A New Era of Transparency
Dean María Claudia Villegas Corey explains the shift: “We think differently, because we are a space for creation. What interests us is that people not only understand what we do, but also feel it and live it.” Instead of a traditional presentation, students from Dance Technology and Movement Arts crafted choreography inspired by the faculty’s four key areas of focus. These movements weren’t performed on a stage, but woven into a “living installation” featuring visual art, architecture, 360° video projections, and interactive spaces.
Impacting the Community: Beyond the Ivory Tower
This innovative faculty, just four years old, is already making waves. It’s not just about artistic expression; the Faculty of Creation and Habitat is actively engaged in solving real-world problems. Their Habitat Office has already assisted over 75 vulnerable families with housing, design, and environmental improvements. And they’re not stopping there. A new design office, slated to launch in 2025, will provide crucial support to local entrepreneurs – from refining packaging for a peanut vendor to creating impactful educational materials for rural communities. This commitment to practical application is a key differentiator in higher education today.
Expanding Horizons: New Programs and Global Connections
The faculty is also expanding its academic offerings with three new virtual specializations: Design of Smart Cities, Design of Gastronomic Experiences, and Design of Exhibition Experiences. These programs reflect a forward-thinking approach, blending disciplines like architecture, gastronomy, and urban planning to prepare students for the complex challenges of the future.
International collaboration is also a priority. 32 students participated in international exchanges and internships, while 20 foreign students enriched the campus community. Strengthened partnerships with institutions like the Turin Polytechnic (Italy) are further elevating the faculty’s global profile. The faculty’s commitment to global engagement is a testament to its ambition and vision.
Recognition and Achievements: A Rising Star
The faculty’s dedication to excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Visual Communication Design program recently received high-quality accreditation for six years. Students and graduates have garnered numerous awards, including the Edushift Award, the Steel Pencil Award, and recognition at the World Cup of Design in Paris. Professor María Clara Betancourt’s Ada Byron Award for Women in Science and Technology highlights the faculty’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
A Creative Ecosystem: Looking Ahead
Beyond academics, the Faculty of Creation and Habitat fosters a vibrant cultural scene with exhibitions, workshops, and the exciting development of a Culture Observatory dedicated to documenting and disseminating the cultural landscape of Cali. Strategic alliances with organizations like the Ministry of Tourism and the Chamber of Commerce of Cali demonstrate its commitment to regional development.
Dean Villegas emphasizes that the faculty’s ultimate goal is to “continue sowing the future.” They’re exploring innovative educational models, including short programs, digital badges, and training opportunities for diverse audiences. The Faculty of Creation and Habitat isn’t just educating students; it’s building a creative ecosystem where innovation thrives and transforms realities. This is a model for how universities can truly connect with their communities and prepare the next generation of leaders.