ASUA funded Sen. Taylor Bilby’s year-long arts and culture festival to get the ball rolling on the April event.
The festival, Tanzbodeli, underwent a complete budget re-evaluation. The project gained more donations since the previous budget presentation, allowing the money raised for breast cancer research to be as high as possible, according to Bilby. The event, slated for April 1 from 5 p.m. to 10 pm., is an arts and culture festival that emphasizes student artwork, along with performances by comedy troupe The Charles Darwin Experience and singing group CatCall.
“”We are lowering our bottom line in order to solely showcase our student art,”” she said.
The event, which originally planned to use nationally known artists, was refocused to showcase artwork by college students, Bilby said. The showcase will be held in the middle of the UA Mall.
“”I think it sounds like a really realistic budget for something like this,”” said Kaitlin Simpson, the special events coordinator for ASUA.
Bilby said ASUA is working very hard to get things donated for the event. An entertainment company is donating money to cover production, lighting and staging costs.
“”Having those donated is a real accomplishment,”” Simpson said.
Bilby, along with Sens. Deanna Mariner and Mary Myles, are also trying to get campus-area businesses to sponsor shirts and posters.
Several of the senators were in favor of the proposed budget plans for Tanzbodeli. Executive Vice President Katherine Weingartner said it was a great thing for Bilby to highlight the fine arts departments and to focus on students.
“”I like the fact that you really brought a lot of diverse groups together for this event,”” Sen. Garrett Voge said.
Bilby said she hopes that there is enough artwork from the students to really highlight their talent.
“”You guys are part of the change that I’m trying to create,”” she said.
More than 800 Tucson businesses are currently being called to provide sponsorship for the event. Street team applications will also be available until Friday at noon.
Other Senate Business:
ASUA senators also discussed the new general education changes. The general education committee designated new numbers for five courses in the individuals and societies, traditions and cultures and natural sciences general education structure.
“”Basically, we’re going to re-adjust the system,”” Sen. Mary Myles said. The new registration system caused problems for some students, showing similar course descriptions for every general education class numbered similarly, which prompted the change, said Sen. Scott Rising.
The senate also approved $11,643.29 in new club funding. This brings this year’s club funding total to $84,343.62.
ASUA also spoke with candidates for the upcoming election after the meeting to answer questions. Elections for next year’s positions occur early next month.
