Tara Cheyenne Friedenberg

MFA in Contemporary Arts Student in the Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

After working professionally in performance for over 30 years I am invigorated by the vibrant ecology of thought and creation around me and the emergence of new ways of creating, teaching/facilitating creation and the new and potent trajectories of thought.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

So called Vancouver has been my home and my community for over 30 years. It makes sense to learn and expand here with the incredible faculty in SFU’s school of contemporary arts.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

I am examining how I make performance, taking it apart, and putting it make together to make deeper work. This unpacking of process is fueled by examining the work of other artists and artist-thinkers.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Dance, comedy, feminism

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

The work of many of the faculty has served to open me to new areas of inquiry. The encouragement and inspiration provided by my professors and my fellow MFA candidates cannot be underestimated.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research

I have been privileged to receive several awards and fellowships. As a working artist and parent this funding has made it possible for me to immerse myself in study and creation, which would not have been possible otherwise.

Additional Links

• My Personal Website