Artsfest has again been cancelled by the administration in light of incidents from previous years and concerns about student behavior. Scholium strongly suggests that this decision be reversed, as it is unfair to punish the entire Upper School for the actions of a few individuals and to deprive the artistically talented of an opportunity to share their abilities.
Students who choose to disregard the many warnings teachers have articulated do so not because Artsfest prompts them; the circumstances did not elicit the inappropriate behavior. Students could have engaged in these kinds of actions on any other day or during any other event just as easily. There have been disciplinary incidents in the past during which a minority of students were under the influences of alcohol and other substances at sporting events and even school dances. However, we still participate in these sporting events and organize these school dances and not once did anyone consider cancelling these events. To assume that misdemeanors occurring at Artsfest, a three hour event, are in any way different from those at other school events is utterly outrageous.
Furthermore, Scholium believes that canceling Artsfest unfairly hurts students involved in the arts, as they have very few events throughout the school year to share their talents with peers and faculty. Although students in theatre and music have a few productions and concerts each year, those in the visual arts do not have as many opportunities to showcase their work to the school. Moreover, there are barely any opportunities for students to share their talents individually with the student body, as performers at Open Mic nights and Dora Khayatt competitions have limited audiences. By cutting down on the already sparse opportunities for artistic expression, the school is only further demoting the importance of the arts.
Also, the administration has argued that the day is more of just a “fun day” than an actual celebration of the arts. However, this is not a valid reason for cancelling Artsfest. The administration cannot expect every student to appreciate the arts as there will always be students that only look forward to the day for its entertainment value, but this does not mean they cannot enjoy the performances of their classmates and celebrate their work ethic along with the rest of the student body. This is also true of Spirit Week; many students do not actively participate in the festivities and athletic competitions, but most enjoy the unity and passion that the week generates.
Scholium strongly suggests that students work together to create a proposal that forms a compromise between the student body and the administration and that the administration entertain such a proposal. Taking away Artsfest is not a fair or effective punishment for the actions of a few and doing so unfairly limits students involved with the arts who have few other opportunities to share their talents. Artsfest is an event that the entire student body and faculty can enjoy and perform in without having to take time out of their own busy schedules.

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