The arts meet the professions November 7 and 8 for the annual DEMAN Weekend—Duke Entertainment, Media and the Arts Network. Alumni who launched their post-Duke careers as filmmakers, journalists and other media artists will return to campus to network with students and inspire exploration into these industries. Through speakers, workshops and panel discussions, these established artists show that a career in the arts is not so elusive. Whether you aspire to ambitions in the Arts, or are simply interested in nurturing your creativity and forging a unique, fulfilling Duke experience, this weekend rethinks and broadens our understanding of the arts.
We commend and appreciate the efforts of DEMAN weekend in celebrating and emphasizing the importance of the Arts at Duke. Earlier this semester we discussed the dangers of pre-professional paths and emphasized the paths not taken—DEMAN begins to deconstruct these assumed paths and demonstrates that passion for the arts can be more than just a hobby. For many, a career in the arts can seem both daunting and intimidating, especially given the lack of a tailored, ready-paved path to success. Yet through workshops like “Using your creativity to leverage a career in sports,” “Getting the gig: auditions, internships, and interviews,” and “the intersection of food and media,” DEMAN Weekend does not so much provide structured, set paths for students to take. Rather, it presents a diverse and broad range of experiences that challenges students to rethink and explore the scope of what a career in the arts can be.
In this way the weekend is doing much more than connecting alumni to current students. It is opening minds—expanding beyond a six-path career track—and challenging notions of success and risk. It demonstrates how students can “[translate] your Duke experience into a successful career in a creative field.” It exhibits how arts can enhance your career regardless of what you go into.
This year DEMAN will host over 54 alumni, including keynote speaker Robert Yeoman, Trinity ’73, who was the cinematographer for Yes Man, Bridesmaids, Get Him to the Greek and Moonrise Kingdom. Participants in DEMAN weekend can go to his AMI/CDS workshop and his movie screening and question and answer session. His workshop is accompanied by several other workshops running through Friday and Sunday, including multiple receptions for students and alumni.
Since its inception, DEMAN weekend has grown tremendously and continuously engages a wide range of the student and alumni community. The weekend is structured around alumni guiding students in careers in the arts, media and entertainment industries.
We encourage you, regardless of major or interests or hobbies or friends, to take advantage of DEMAN Weekend. Check out the schedule, read about the alumni that are coming, read about past DEMANs and add some DEMAN to your life.
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