The launch on 2 October marks a pivotal moment in the institution’s pursuit of academic excellence, creativity, and global collaboration. Project manager and senior coordinator at the IIA MC Roodt joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about the role of the IIA at the UFS and to explain what this institute means for the arts and creatives in the Free State.

The launch brought together university leadership, academics, artists, and art enthusiasts to celebrate a shared commitment to advancing human knowledge through creative enquiry and artistic innovation.

At the IIA launch were, from left, Prof Mogomme Masoga, dean of the faculty of the humanities; Prof Anthea Rhoda, deputy vice-chancellor: academic; Prof Hester C. Klopper, vice-chancellor and principal; Prof Millard Arnold, member of the UFS council; Prof Vasu Reddy, deputy vice-chancellor: research and internationalisation; and Prof Alexander Johnson, director of the International Institute of the Arts.

The new institute, managed under the research portfolio of deputy vice-chancellor Prof Vasu Reddy, aims to position UFS right at the crossroads of creativity, serious academic study, and real-world influence.

Prof Anthea van Jaarveld, academic head of department: drama and theatre arts, welcoming guests to the launch.

The IIA isn’t just another department; it’s a collaborative space. Artists, researchers, and practitioners will work side-by-side to discover fresh approaches to thinking, teaching, and creating. It’s all about closing the gap between the humanities, science, and technology in our fast-moving digital age.  

As Prof Reddy pointed out, the arts are critical: “The arts are not mere embellishments to life; they are, in fact, its very pulse. The IIA is a space where the arts and humanities rise, not in defence, but in celebration of their enduring relevance.”

Local roots, global reach

Sitting in the heart of South Africa, the IIA draws deeply from the continent's cultural wealth while actively connecting with global networks of creative scholarship.

Prof Hester Klopper, vice-chancellor and principal, highlighted that the institute “builds bridges between indigenous wisdom and modern art, between oral traditions and digital storytelling”. This clearly shows the university’s commitment to pairing authentic local perspectives with a worldwide vision.

Prof Alexander Johnson, the IIA’s director, sees the institute as a crucial venue “where the arts in the Free State can converge, grow, and flourish”. He noted that the IIA plans to grow the university’s international profile through artist residencies, global partnerships, and team-based research projects spanning different fields.

A drama performance by Zabesutu Rondo Mpiti-Spies during the launch.

Why creativity now matters more

The International Institute of the Arts is a powerful statement of purpose: to champion creativity not just as an artistic endeavor, but as a genuine form of knowledge and a powerful engine for human connection.

By launching the IIA, UFS firmly asserts that, even in an age dominated by technology and constant change, imagination is still our strongest tool for creating a fairer, more innovative, and more inspired future for all.

Ready to learn more about the research and projects happening at the IIA?

Visit the IIA online for more information.

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