For Candice Wu '25 and Sofia Huang '25, co-heads of the Senior School Arts Council, the arts are more than just a creative outlet — they’re a way to connect, collaborate and inspire. This year, the duo is working to break down barriers between disciplines, champion inclusivity and bring the arts into the spotlight like never before. From visual arts to performing arts, their vision is to deepen how the school community engages with the arts.
Expanding the Role of Art
One of the biggest shifts this year has been the Arts Council’s emphasis on collaboration.
“We have both been on the Arts Council since Grade 9, but have not had the chance to work with any other school club or council,” said Huang. “We think it’s important for the arts to be collaborative.”
The Arts Council is actively exploring partnerships, including initiatives that continue the integration of art into STEM fields through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).
“Even in the Design Lab, a space predominantly thought of for engineering and technology, showcases how art and creative thinking are necessary for innovation,” Huang explains.
The Arts Council's Mission
For both Wu and Huang, their roles as co-heads are deeply personal.
“I feel like the arts community is often overlooked, so it’s nice to be part of a council that brings it to the forefront,” Wu said.
Huang, on the other hand, was motivated by a desire to create more opportunities for artists to shine.
“When I first joined the Arts Council I noticed that, while most schools put a lot of focus on athletics, there were not as many opportunities to celebrate the arts,” Huang recalled.
Wu and Huang are not just leading a group — they are fostering a collective where people feel seen, heard and inspired.
“It’s about creating a space for anyone and everyone to explore expression in any form,” Wu said.
Huang hopes to challenge the perception of art as merely an imaginative pursuit.
“Art has the power to connect different fields of academics and new forms of technology,” Huang said. “For example, digital art and AI art show how art can evolve along with the world.”
This forward-thinking mindset is also evident in Huang's Augmented Reality (AR) art project, which she began developing in her 3D design class last year.
“I have been working on turning a 3D model into an interactive AR world, which I’m excited to share soon,” Huang excitedly explained.
A Bright Future Head
Under Wu and Huang’s leadership, the SMUS Art Council is redefining what it means to engage with the arts. Through collaboration and inclusivity, they continue to prove that the arts are a powerful force. As they look to the future, one thing is clear: the arts at SMUS are in good hands.
