Calling all creatives

UTRGV is gearing up for its annual Engaged Scholar Symposium, a premier event that brings together creatives from different disciplines to share their work and exchange ideas in an academic conference.

According to Robert Longoria, program manager for Engaged Scholarship and Learning, the symposium is “one of the largest interdisciplinary conferences in South Texas.” It provides a valuable platform for students to connect with working professionals and peers within their academic fields. 

The application process is straightforward, with students able to submit their work through UTRGV’s Submittable portal. 

Longoria added there are two separate application forms: one for undergraduate research and community projects and another specifically for creative works. 

The deadline for submissions is at 11:59 p.m. Monday.

This year, the creative works will be exhibited in the Charles and Dorothy Clark Art Gallery on the Edinburg campus, with plans to expand to the Brownsville campus in the future.

 Longoria said the symposium aims to support students’ professional development.

 “It’s a real opportunity for them to start building out those networks and connections as they develop as an artist,” he said. 

The symposium is not just for presenting finished works, it also provides a platform for students to showcase their work in progress, according to Longoria. 

“It’s designed and supported in mind so that it’s something that is accessible,” he said.

Longoria encouraged students to take advantage of this opportunity, whether by applying to present or attending to connect with others in their field.

 With the deadline for submissions fast approaching, UTRGV students interested in showcasing their creative works are encouraged to submit their applications to utrgv.edu/es2.