Vishü Rita Krocha
Kohima | November 2
The SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design) Atlanta visit proved to be a great learning experience for the educators from Nagaland and Northeast even as the 5-member team returned with invaluable lessons and inspiration. The thriving and creative learning environment coupled with the state of the art facilities at SCAD has undeniably created a lasting impression on the team.
Priyanka Joshi, Head of Art, Craft, Design and Technology Department, Assam Valley School explicitly stated that it was an excellent opportunity to interact with and gauge the complete potential of SCAD as an art and design institute for the graduation and post graduation studies of students at Assam Valley School. “I am very impressed by the world class infrastructure along with a talented faculty at SCAD,” she expressed, while also observing that “the diversity of students from all over the world is noteworthy.”
Further pointing out that along with the regular design aspirants, it was very encouraging to note the scholarships being offered for deserving students from all strata of life, she said, “I will certainly be recommending SCAD as a worthy design institution to my students to engage for further design education standards.” “I feel that the North East India, which is culturally so rich in art and craft heritage along with some supremely talented students, will find a great opportunity in getting traction at SCAD and its superb facilities,” she added.
While extending her profound gratitude to the SCAD Team, the Managing Director of G. Rio School Kohima, Khrienuo Moa said it was a wonderful opportunity given to the people of North East. She said that it was an eye opener for her in the field of art and design, and went on to state that, “my perspective on this field was very limited but attending SCAD has broadened my knowledge and I am looking forward to guide my students as well as the upcoming young people to avail these wonderful opportunities, based on their skills and interest.” Also noting that education has gone beyond textbooks, she expressed regret that Nagas are still theory-oriented instead of being skill-oriented. She was however glad that SCAD has taken this initiative and brought the idea of creative careers closer home.
Sashila Ozukum, Administrator of Hope Academy, Dimapur said she was exceptionally taken in by the creative space at SCAD while stating that such an ambience will just make the students excel. Also referring to the personal attention that the University gives to each student, she said the care and mentorship of the students are so important. “They put a lot of emphasis on where the students go from SCAD…it’s more like a family,” she added. In the meantime, she said that what she likes about SCAD is that “when one is enrolled, they have the liberty to choose to study in any of their five campuses and that way, students get more exposure.” “On the other hand, they have the liberty to be undecided for 2 years- SCAD helps the students to explore areas which they would thrive in and choose their line of interest accordingly, which is really great,” she explained.
Stating that her SCAD experience was absolutely fantastic, Photographer, Zubeni Lotha enunciated that, “the best part is the student support from the college which lasts a lifetime apart from the amazing programs they have.” “I can't put into words what I have experienced,” she added.
The visiting 5-member team was especially impressed by the world class infrastructure at SCAD, the student care, the thriving learning environment, the facilities, the wide range of programs that the university offers, the internship and the high rate of industry placement among other things. They also felt that programs such as fashion, sculpture, animation, sound and film, photography, interior design, furniture design, graphic design, sequential art and writing would be a great fit for students both from Nagaland and North East India, while also opining that summer programs for students and teachers would be very beneficial.
SCAD will be visiting Nagaland in the first week of December during which Executive Director of International Recruitment and Relations, SCAD, Maken Imcha Payne and Associate Director of International Admissions, SCAD, Pelesino Ane Kevichusa will visit schools and meet with students. Apart from this, an event will also be held during the SCAD visit, bringing together educators from different schools, students, parents and interested individuals. In the meantime, interested students may also contact Pelesino Ane Kevichusa via email (akevichu@scad.edu).
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