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Organizers of the Arts Matters Conference, held at the University of New Brunswick’s (UNB) Fredericton campus from March 20 to 22, celebrated another successful run of the much-anticipated annual event.

The theme of this year’s conference was "Learning through community: collaborative approaches to creating and knowing" and it was addressed throughout the three-day conference via panel discussions, student presentations, art installations, theatre and a celebratory gala at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery.

Organized and executed by a team of dedicated UNB students, the conference showcases the creative work of university students from across Atlantic Canada, providing an opportunity for participants to display their creativity, sharpen critical thinking and research capabilities and hone their presentation skills.

The conference is truly a student-powered endeavour.

The Arts Matters Organizing Team shared reflections on some of the highlights of the event.

“We talked, we collaborated, we brainstormed, we shared, and together, we created a space for so many others to come forward and share their incredible work,” said team member Sejal Sharma, who is in her final year of a bachelor of arts in psychology.

“Having attended the conference for the past two years as a curious student, it was especially meaningful for me to not only present this year but also be involved in organizing it. I will always cherish this as one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences I’ve had at UNB.”

That sentiment was echoed by fellow organizer Kate MacGregor.

“I loved watching people find their community at this conference,” said MacGregor, who is pursuing a double major in psychology and biology.

“A highlight for me was the guest panel discussion relating to our theme of learning through community. Our panelists were incredibly well-spoken and brought up several important points about taking action to improve inclusivity in collaborative spaces.

“It was amazing to hear from so many different perspectives and catch a glimpse into the panelists’ lives. After the panel, a handful of attendees expressed that they were finding a sense of belonging through partaking in our conference—hearing this made all the effort required in organizing this event 100 percent worth it.”

Direct participation in the arts, as a creator and an appreciator of art, was a theme explored throughout the conference, including game-making as a vessel for expression and social change.

Dr. Scott Preston, associate professor in culture and media studies, featured his Games for Change course showcasing students' efforts making tabletop games. These games aim to educate and inspire activism amongst the players.

A production of Aristophanes’ play, Frogs, in which Dionysus descends to the underworld, disguised as Hercules, to bring back a friend to the land of the living, was another conference highlight.

"This year's Arts Matters Conference created a great opportunity for students to showcase their academic and creative work to the greater UNB community,” said organizer Dawoon Jung, who is in their final year of a bachelor of arts in history.

“Our panel guest speakers created a great start to the conference as they all spoke passionately about the importance of community. Our mural workshops were a great opportunity to de-stress and introduce ourselves to other members of UNB.”

Two standout mural events took place during the conference, the first being the launch of the 203 Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity special mural project. Displayed at the Harriet Irving Library, the project was a community effort which began during the COVID pandemic. The collaborative mural was a way to bring together and build queer and trans communities during isolation.

A mural workshop led by Emma Monteith, UNB Art Centre’s gallery and collections assistant and the Arts Matters Organizing Team rounded out the conference on the final day. Participants each contributed a small canvas, which was combined into a large mural design.

Organizer Alyssa Harris described the event as a ‘smashing success’ and thanked all the attendees, panelists, judges and the organizing team for coming together to make such a memorable weekend.

“The whole weekend was an incredibly rewarding experience as a member of the organizing team. While Saturday was the busiest day of the conference, it was my favourite of the three because the success of the conference was able to be celebrated at the gala,” said Harris, who is pursuing an undergraduate degree in psychology.

“One of the most memorable parts of the conference was witnessing the deep connections formed across disciplines and communities. It was powerful to see how knowledge and art can bridge differences and foster shared meaning,” reflected Anne Marie Martin Ferrer, who is pursuing a double major in psychology and law.

“A standout moment for me was during the gala. Being able to watch our team laugh, dance and celebrate all that we had built together was truly special. It was a reminder of the joy that comes from collective effort and community care, and it is certainly something I will carry into future collaborative work,” said Ferrer.

As with every event, there are some hiccups along the way. The Arts Matters organizing team saw the potential to expand on the theme of working together, even when encountering obstacles.

“One of the most memorable moments was when the team collaboratively untangled the Gala balloons,” said Halimat Shittu, who is pursuing a double major in English and Media Arts and Cultures.

“It was remarkable because something so frustrating became a huge moment of excitement and learning for the team.

“I am super proud to have been a part of the Arts Matters 2025 organizing team—an amazing group of smart and passionate individuals. It was evident from attendees' comments that it was a fun-filled few days of learning. I am glad to see that our hard work over the months paid off!”

Fellow organizer Abby Conrad, who is pursuing a double major in French and psychology, agreed.

“The most eye-opening moment for me was seeing just how much we all yearn for community and collaboration. I felt this so powerfully within our organizing team, but particularly through the events we hosted. At our gala at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, we brought together over 100 students, faculty, staff, and community members,” said Conrad.

“As a team, we had discussed how now, more than ever, we need collaboration, and we need to be able to lean on one another. The success of our conference proves just how important events like these are.”