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The Cathedral Arts Project recently announced that Stephanie and Tim Cost of Ponte Vedra Beach have been named the 2020 Guardians of the Arts for their efforts to safeguard and advance the arts along the First Coast. The Costs will be recognized at the 16th annual Spring for the Arts on Friday, April 17, 2020 at The River Club. Spring for the Arts is the signature fundraising event for the Cathedral Arts Project and is the most visible event supporting arts education for children in Duval County.
Stephanie and Tim came to Jacksonville in 2013 when Tim became Jacksonville University’s 12th president. Though they have lived in the area for a short time, the Costs have made an important impact on the arts in the community, specifically through their work at Jacksonville University. In seven years, they have worked together with faculty, staff and administration to grow the University’s fine arts program by:
- Renovating Terry Concert Hall in 2016, making it one of the finest facilities of its size in Jacksonville
- Creating a new position, Head of STEAM Initiatives, to infuse the arts into technical programs across campus
- Securing a multi-year, multi-million-dollar gift to name the Linda Berry Stein College of Fine Arts, one of the largest investments in the university’s 84-year history
- Launching a low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts
- Establishing a fine arts reception series, inviting donors and community members to join the President & First Lady at fine arts performances and exhibitions throughout the year
- Securing international artist Shan Shan Sheng to create a large-scale art installation in a new roundabout planned for the University’s entrance at Merrill Road
- Refurbishing the Phillips Fine Arts Building, home to a recital hall, recording studio and digital piano/computer laboratory, as well as the Alexander Brest Museum and Gallery
- Commissioning the University's iconic campus dolphin statues, created by Art in Public Spaces students, which are now the preferred photo backdrop for student and family pictures at matriculation, graduation and most student campus photos
- Establishing the Cost scholars program, through the ASPIRE campaign, which provides opportunities for scholars to create meaningful relationships with their donors during their college experience, including undergraduate students in the Linda Berry Stein College of Fine Arts
- Funding Creative Current, a 2,500-piece glass work displayed in the entrance of Terry Concert Hall, that was a collaboration of student, faculty and community talent resulting in a 56-foot-long masterpiece
- Commissioning student art in glass, ceramics, photography and the performing arts to showcase their talent and educate them on the process of creating art for a living
“Tim and Stephanie are a dynamic duo and have become such a valued asset to our community in the short time they have been here,” said Linda Berry Stein, Jacksonville University alumna and previous Guardian of the Arts Award Winner. “Tim’s expert leadership as the President of Jacksonville University has energized our campus and elevated the University to great heights. Both Tim and Stephanie work tirelessly through their involvement in such important organizations such as CAP. They are laser focused on how they can better our community. We are indeed fortunate to have in our community such passionate, giving and caring people.”
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