The arts at Lake Highland are entering a new era of collaboration with the creation of A.R.T.I.C., Artistic Research Through Inter-council Collaboration. This student-led initiative brings together leaders from every arts organization on campus, ensuring that creativity, innovation, and community thrive across all disciplines. From visual arts to performance, A.R.T.I.C. provides a platform for communication and unity, giving students the opportunity to support one another’s projects and amplify their collective voice.
Keira Meyers, the founder and president of A.R.T.I.C., emphasized how the council helps clubs combine their strengths in order to lift up the arts programs. Her initial idea of creating this leadership group stemmed from always wanting to make the arts a bigger scene at Lake Highland. She shared, “A.R.T.I.C.’s purpose is to support other artists and work on projects together in an effort to make the arts just as established and valued as the sports programs.” Her hope for the future is that students get just as excited about going to arts events as they are for anything else.
Keira also included that the way this idea came to be was kind of an eye opening experience. She stated, “Well last year a bunch of different student art representatives met for the first time and that’s when we realized that we are all in the same building, yet we never communicate with each other.” She credits Olivia Reich, grade 12, for supporting this idea and helping bring more people into supporting this initiative. She explained how this group isn’t only beneficial for artists, but it helps the whole school community. A.R.T.I.C. is meant to be a resource for anyone who would like to commission art, host a performance, have help advertising their event, and more.
According to Alyx Cunningham, grade 12 and a member of the council, A.R.T.I.C. is about giving each arts club a voice. She explained, “A.R.T.I.C. is about making sure every arts club has a chance to be heard. Instead of working separately, we’re able to come together, share ideas, and make our events and projects even stronger.” Her words reflect the council’s mission of uniting creativity across disciplines and showing students the power of collaboration.
The council meets regularly to discuss upcoming performances, exhibits, and initiatives, creating opportunities for cross-collaboration and stronger school-wide participation. By having representatives from each arts group, A.R.T.I.C. ensures that no club feels isolated and that all projects receive the recognition they deserve.
Alyx added that A.R.T.I.C. has also taught her the value of mutual support and teamwork. She noted, “Being in A.R.T.I.C. has shown me how important it is for us to lift each other up. When we combine resources and support, the impact we make on the Highlander community grows so much bigger.” Her and Keira both emphasized how important it is to have clubs working together to encourage each other in projects that wouldn’t be possible without collaboration.
Through initiatives like A.R.T.I.C., Lake Highland continues to demonstrate its commitment to cultivating creativity and building a strong, united arts culture. With students at the center of this effort, the future of the arts on campus looks brighter and more creative than ever before.
