The Diverse Array of Arts Clubs at UTM
Taking a deep dive into the different arts clubs on campus, from book clubs to live performances
As the academic year begins, many events take place on campus to welcome both new and returning students. One of these events is the annual UTM Club fair, which showcases the variety of student societies and clubs that truly bring the campus to life. This year’s fair was no different, with numerous clubs coming together to share their goals and invite new members. Although each club offers something unique to entice students, it is typically the arts clubs that draw the most people, usually due to the creativity and community they cultivate.
With how varied and diverse the arts are, it is no surprise that the clubs themselves are distinct, ranging from literature to performance arts. For those who love to read and find new genres to be invested in, the UTM Book Discovery Club (UTMBD) is there to help. They aim to motivate members to think critically about the world around them through the views of the authors whose works they experience. UTMBD does this by holding monthly book club gatherings focusing on unique books by writers from different places around the world.
For those with an academic interest, the UTM English and Drama Student Society (EDSS) is there to assist those who are enrolled in any of UTM’s English and Drama programs, studying any of their courses or just have an interest in the field. As an academic forum, the goals of EDSS include creating chances for students to share any of their creative ideas in an inclusive and fostering environment.
Another fascinating area is the visual arts, with Studio X being a visual arts club. As a cooperative art club aiming to make installments to redecorate and adorn the areas around the campus, their works consist of painting and photography among others, with a secondary goal of informing general students of social issues. Alongside Studio X is The Design Hub, which is a more general club that is focused on uniting those with aspirations of being a designer or simply learning about designs. This club allows members to operate on projects and shape their portfolio and The Design Hub features a competition consisting of students presenting designs based on a designated theme, with the winner having their design shown off on the club’s social media pages as well as a prize.
For those with musical interests, UTM also has clubs to fill that desire as well, with one such club being the Harmonix Music Club (HMC), which offers a community for anyone who loves music. The club cultivates an environment where students can meet those with varying musical backgrounds and encourages the recognition of all genres of music. HMC offers a casual breather for those with busy schedules through its casual jam sessions, as well as volunteer positions in logistics and lessons in music production for those with a little more free time and interest.
Alongside HMC is Circle of Fifths (COF), which is UTM’s performance focused music group. While HMC is more open to casual music lovers, COF is more structured, as it encourages the use of music in a more formal group setting. Members are expected to rehearse routinely to ensure they are ready for showcases and events that emphasize their skill and work. By focusing on training and improvement, COF creates a space for members to constantly challenge themselves and reach greater musical heights.
Lastly, for performance arts, there is Erindale Music Theatre Productions (EMTP), that provides a truly immersive experience for those interested in musical theatre, creating a safe space for members to “share their passion and create and perform original and established works of music theatre.” EMTP organizes every part of theatrical production, ranging from auditions to the props used in their works. Additionally, EMTP extends beyond just UTM and has partnerships with other theatrical clubs at UTSC, UTSG and even those in Mississauga, allowing opportunities for members to participate with theatre in many different ways.
A somewhat different performance arts club consists of the UTM Dance Team, which emphasizes both building a community for dancers and a competitive spirit, giving members the possibility of furthering their dance skills while representing UTM. Membership into the dance team is based on an audition that judges a students ability to dance and how available they are. If accepted, they become part of a close group that trains meticulously three to four days a week.
The Arts are a truly fascinating and diverse area that allows students to express their creativity in a variety of ways, as demonstrated by the numerous clubs that showcase their depth. Whether you are an avid reader, an aspiring designer, a budding musician or an ambitious performer, there is sure to be a club at UTM that shares your passions and offers a chance at displaying your talents.
