The School of Visual Arts has been celebrating its 75th anniversary for the 2022 – 2023 academic year. The milestone has been commemorated in the fall/winter 2022 issue of the College’s magazine, Visual Arts Journal; a commemorative poster by famed designer, SVA alumnus and former faculty member Paul Davis (1959 Illustration); anniversary-themed banners flown outside of campus buildings; and in a proclamation this fall from the Manhattan borough president.

Last Friday, SVA received its latest and most significant recognition to date in the form of a New York City mayoral proclamation, delivered by the city’s Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo to long-serving SVA President David Rhodes at the annual year-end gathering of College staff and faculty. This honor pays tribute to SVA’s impact on Manhattan and the arts community at large since its founding in 1947, having grown to become one of the world’s leading colleges of art and design.

“SVA has long been a destination for some of the world’s most creative minds, who come to the heart of New York City to fulfill their artistic dreams,” President Rhodes said. “We are grateful to the mayor’s office for honoring the College’s rich cultural heritage and contribution to the city’s vibrant arts community.”

“New York City is a magnet for creative talent from around the globe, and educational institutions like SVA are critical for fostering the next generation of artists and designers,” Commissioner Cumbo said. “Congratulations to the School of Visual Arts on 75 years of educating students and serving as a continual source of new energy and ideas in our city’s arts community. In recognition of your contributions to our city, I’m proud to join Mayor Adams in proclaiming Friday, December 16, 2022, in the city of New York as School of Visual Arts Day!”

Here’s to another 75 years and beyond.

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The New York City Cultural Affairs Commissioner presented SVA President David Rhodes with the honor last Friday