New Sculpture Trail Brings Beauty to BGU Campus
New Sculpture Trail Brings Beauty to BGU Campus
December 28, 2018
Leadership, Awards & Events, Social Sciences & Humanities
At the end of 2018, Ben-Gurion University inaugurated a campus-wide Sculpture Trail, curated by BGU Galleries Curator Prof. Haim Maor. The ceremony included the unveiling of the most recent additions – three works by leading Israeli sculptors Yaakov Dorchin, Sigalit Landau and Yisrael Hadani.
The Sculpture Trail program was launched in 2013 as part of BGU President Prof. Rivka Carmi’s initiative to increase the presence of art in public areas on campus. The initiative is part of BGU’s greater mission to be an important center for the arts in southern Israel, one that enriches the lives of both the campus community and all residents of the Negev.
President Prof. Rivka Carmi cutting a ribbon at the Sculpture Trail
“Today, more than ever,” said Prof. Carmi, “the humanities and the arts form the moral compass of our society, and they spark public discussion that almost certainly would not be possible (without the arts).”
From its earliest days, BGU’s many generous friends have shared in this vision and helped bring it to fruition, both by generous gifts of important works of art, as well as by support for other arts and culture-related activities. As the University approaches its 50th anniversary, plans have already begun to expand the active galleries on and off campus, including establishing the 2,000 square meter University Gallery that will house teaching spaces, labs and additional exhibition halls to display the University’s art collection.
“Academia is a place for research and study,” said Prof. Carmi, “for curiosity and imagination, and it excels mainly when guided by a creative spirit and the inspiration of artists who inspire us.”
But according to Prof. Carmi, art at BGU is far more than an academic discipline. “It is a source of beauty, both on campus, and for the wider Beer-Sheva community. It inspires creativity, discussion and debate. It acts as a tool for communication and offers an additional way to involve and serve the community.”
Prof. Haim Maor, who was recently awarded the Ministry of Culture and Sports’ 2018 Arik Einstein Award for Veteran Artists in the visual arts category, added that the formal opening of the Sculpture Trail will be another milestone on BGU’s drive to establish itself as a center for Israeli art and artists.
“The Sculpture Trail presents an inter-generational exhibition of the biggest names in Israeli sculpting,” Prof. Maor said. “The project will continue to grow and develop, presenting visitors with a history of Israeli art through the lens of sculpture, from the 1960 to the present time.”
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