From Local Stages To Global Platforms, College Of Fine Arts And Communications (CFAC) Students Gain Hands-On Experience While Showcasing Their Talents Around The World
This summer, College of Fine Arts and Communications (CFAC) students and faculty have been taking full advantage of every opportunity to study, learn and perform together all around the world. As they have left the classroom for the Dominican Republic, Japan and Scandinavia, they have expanded the boundaries of BYU campus. Read more below to see what these students said about their experiences from this past month.
Department of Art | Art in Scandinavia Study Abroad
This spring, 23 BYU students and faculty traveled through Denmark, Sweden and Norway on a month-long study abroad focused on sustainability, traditional handcraft and the arts. They explored Scandinavian life by biking, walking, and engaging directly with local artists and craftspeople. They dedicated time to learning techniques like kolrosing (inlaying pigment in wood), slindring (cord braiding technique), spinning and hand-carving at renowned institutions such as Sweden’s Sätergläntan Institute (the "institutet för slöjd" or hand crafts).
“This wasn’t just a trip,” said professor Brian Christensen. “It was a living classroom where nature, tradition and contemporary art collided.” Students studied everything from Viking heritage in Roskilde and contemporary art in Oslo to modern eco-design in cities known for green living.
“It elevated my learning to a level I could never have reached in a classroom,” said art student Daniela Busse. For many, the experience sparked a deeper personal connection to their craft. “It made me rethink how art and handwork could play a bigger role in American and Church culture,” reflected Jeremiah Parkin. Beatrice Powell added, “The novelty found while traveling brings a sense of wonder that creativity thrives in.”
Design | Fashion & Design in Europe
From the grandeur of Parisian couture houses to charming artisanal workshops of Edinburgh, BYU students learned from centers of fashion and design in Europe. In Venice, the group participated in lace-making and glass-blowing demonstrations. They also attended mass in Florence just days after the announcement of Pope Leo XIV. The group visited major exhibitions (including Dior, Cartier and Louvre Couture) where they saw first-hand how fashion and art have influenced each other for centuries.
Four students from the College of Fine Arts and Communications participated in this College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences (FHSS) study abroad: Bruce Cui, Paige Van Wagoner, Elliot Hambrecht and Shelby Hess. “We love our non-majors,” said professor Dana Hunter from the School of Family Life. “We try to incorporate appointments that will be of interest to the wide variety of majors that choose to come on our study abroad.”
“Touring Savile Row and Jermyn Street in London gave me a new perspective on how design serves people with personalities, not just as pretty visual elements,” said graphic design BFA Bruce Cui. “As the tailors fit their customers, they get to know the individual, which made me think that great design often starts with deep respect and love.” Cui also noticed that high-quality craftsmanship is intimately related to long-term impact. Great design often lasts for generations.
Design | Hiroshima: Reconciling 80 Years of Peace and the Bomb
In May, graphic design and illustration faculty and students traveled to sites in Utah and Japan related to our shared atomic history between the two nations. The trips were immersive research experiences to prepare students to create design and artwork to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the first atomic bombs this year (1945–2025). The goal was for students to engage deeply with peacemaking through direct experience with the aftermath of nuclear warfare.
Design professor David Habben said, “experiencing the culture and history of Japan in connection with the anniversary of the devastating effects of war and nuclear bombing created a unique window of interpretation for all of us.” The group gained perspective from both sides of the conflict before, during and after the war. “As we focus now on creating work that promotes peace, we hope to honor those whose lives were forever impacted by the terrible events many years ago,” Habben continued.
However, the project is far from complete. Students and faculty will be spending July and August creating posters and other exhibit materials in preparation for an exhibition in September on campus and for possible shows elsewhere later this and next year. All the works are being created with a desire to help people respond to the important historical memory and answer President Nelson’s call to be peacemakers.
TMA | London Theatre and Media Arts Study Abroad
A group of TMA students and professors (Brad Barber and Adam Houghton) had the opportunity to experience some of the world’s best cinema, theatre and digital media in London during this past spring term. With visits to places like the West End (England’s theatre epicenter) and Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey’s primary filming location), there was no shortage of opportunities to experience the film and theater of the past, present and future.
“I have been immersed in the culture of theatre and got to see such a variety of productions I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to see outside of London,” said BFA acting major Elin Youngquist. “I have learned to broaden my perspective of the world and be open to trying new things. As an artist, I want to be able to take so much of what I’ve seen and incorporate that into my own work as an actor and performer.”
TMA | London Theatre Study Abroad
Theatre education major Alexa Sandberg participated in the theatre study abroad led by TMA professor Julia Ashworth. The group deepened their understanding and knowledge of theatre as they saw numerous shows like Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Bridge Theatre and more at the Globe Theatre. “I grew as an artist through the extensive amount of shows we all watched — about 20 as a group and I saw 10 more myself,” said Sandberg. “It broadened my view to what theatre can be, or should be, and how I can add my own voice to each project I work on.”
In addition to the shows, the group visited significant historical locations such as the Cotswolds, the Tower of London and Tintern Abbey. “The most impactful part of this study abroad was experiencing another part of the world — the perspectives, cultures, and history that comes with it,” said Sandberg. “It has helped me look at things differently (and it was a lot of fun)!”
Music | Australia Music and Culture
The Music and Culture GE study abroad program in Australia provided twenty students with a jam-packed immersion in multicultural and contemporary Australian social identity. Students spent three days in Canberra, the nation's capital, learning about how democracy functions in Australia. Then, they embarked on a three-day camping trip to Uluru and the continent's Red Centre where they were taught about indigenous culture.
“Throughout the program,” professor of music history Luke Howard said, “we enjoyed orchestral performances, dance, theatre and workshops at the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Theatre Company.” The group attended various religious buildings and learned from esteemed authors and filmmakers. In Sydney, the group attended the Vivid Festival — a vibrant festival of light, music, ideas and food that turns the entire city center into a pedestrian plaza, entertainment stage and food-tuck haven. “The entire experience was unforgettable, life-changing and deeply moving,” professor Howard shared. “We all learned as much about ourselves and our worldview as we did about the cultures, traditions and histories of Sydney."
Music | Dominican Republic: Bass Day and Exchange
In 2024, the BYU School of Music bass studio reached out to la Escuela Paralela professor Esar Simo about bringing BYU students to the Dominican Republic to teach and perform. The National Conservatory of Music even agreed to host this first ever bass event in the Dominican Republic. This April, student, freelance and professional bassists from across the DR and Haiti attended this 3-day event, known now as Bass Day. BYU students (Hannah Cherry, Atticus Wintch, Heidi Webster, Neal Baird, Sam Kraczek and Josue Marin) assisted with teaching masterclasses and coaching fellow bassists before participating in a final concert. “Though I was the featured guest artist,” Professor Eric Hansen shared, “this festival would not have been successful without these students there.” Event organizers were so thrilled with the interest and participation that plans are already underway for a 2026 festival.
Dance | Contemporary Dance Theatre Intensive in New York City
Members of the BYU Contemporary Dance Theatre Company traveled to New York City for eight days of dance intensive experiences and professional networking. Professor Adam Dyer worked for months with BYU alum Jeff Whiting and his Broadway connections to design studio intensives. CDT dancers spent 30 hours at Whiting’s Open Jar Institute in Times Square, New York working with seven of “the most extraordinary dance makers on the planet,” Dyer said. CDT is a performance company, so this trip was a unique opportunity to focus on the creative process by working side by side with professional choreographers to develop original work. For Dyer, the goal of this trip was to “connect our students to the dance community at large and give them a chance to see themselves fitting in the dance landscape that exists today.”
Senior majoring in dance and CDT company member Kara Williams expressed how this experience provided a deeper understanding of what it means to be a dancer, human and disciple of Jesus Christ. She said, “New York’s uniquely creative community reminded me of the beauty in God’s divinely appointed gifts and inspired me to keep sharing mine.” For company member Ella Memmott, the trip inspired her to reach her goals while honoring her faith. “I am so grateful that I could meet so many BYU alumni who were thriving in the professional atmosphere in New York. It was a testament to me that I don't have to sacrifice my faith to work towards my dreams.”
Department of Dance | Ballroom Dancers Perform in England
This year, BYU dance professor Brent Keck took four ballroom couples from the BYU Ballroom Dance Company to the Blackpool Dance Festival in Blackpool, England. Eight students were selected to showcase an original American Viennese Waltz choreographed by Professor Keck at the Blackpool Smooth Gala on May 23. The opportunity to perform was a significant honor for BYU and a tribute to professor Keck’s talent. The performance demonstrated the excellence of the BYU Ballroom Dance Company to an international audience, including many international dignitaries who attended the gala.
Professor Keck was proud to see his students’ artistry on a world stage, remarking that the BYU dancers did an outstanding job. Ava Mecham, a senior studying exercise science, enjoyed the opportunity to prepare for and perform at the Blackpool Smooth Gala. She said that she became a better choreographer and dancer because of this experience. “We had to use our faith and trust each other to execute our dance when the moment came,” Mecham said. “It was so impactful to feel the love and passion for Smooth in the international dancing community.”
School of Communications | Global Communications and Leadership Strategy in Europe
This past month, 20 BYU public relations students traveled to England and France for an immersive study abroad focused on global communications strategy and leadership. After three weeks of preparatory coursework in Provo on the history of PR in the United Kingdom, they flew to London to meet with agencies, brands, non-profits, government offices and cultural institutions.
Students also explored “how leaders approach strategic and global communications,” said Brooklyn Koon-Smith. They also visited Windsor Castle to see “how the monarchy used architecture, art and space to communicate power and legitimacy,” a quote from Professor Chris Wilson.
The program challenged students to rethink what it means to lead and communicate globally. Sadie Edwards said the experience taught her the importance of setting clear goals: “Your career will have ups and downs, but your goals serve as your compass when things are hard.” Reflecting on the field overall, Brooklyn Koon-Smith noted, “There’s no ‘one way’ to build a career in communications. Everyone’s path looks different and that’s a good thing. It’s about staying curious, asking smart questions, and always being open to learning.”
If you participated in a unique learning opportunity in the past year, capture how you #experienceCFAC and enter your essay or visual submission to the Creative Works Contest for a chance to win a cash prize!