“NSCAD teaches people to think ‘outside the box’, to approach the world in fresh and new ways. That’s essential for our society, for our economic prosperity.”

For Rob Sobey, a vital society rests on two cornerstones: arts and education.

For the long-time art collector and benefactor, who has served on the boards of two large Canadian educational institutions, “NSCAD marries the arts and education by nurturing creativity, critical thinking and innovation.”

“Innovation leads to entrepreneurship, economic vitality and increased productivity,” adds Rob. “NSCAD teaches people to think ‘outside the box’, to approach the world in fresh and new ways. That’s essential for our society, for our economic prosperity.”

Rob grew up with art. His grandfather, Frank Sobey, began collecting in the 1960’s. His own father soon followed. “I acquired this same passion from my dad, and have been interested in and collecting art – particularly Canadian art – ever since. That’s how I came to know and admire NSCAD.”

Today, the prestigious Sobey Art Award, the country’s largest award for contemporary art, recognizes leading young Canadian artists.

“The visual arts challenge us to view the world through someone else’s eyes and come up with our own interpretation,” explains Rob. “You can question convention, tear down different viewpoints, and build up new ones.”

And that’s part of what makes a NSCAD education particularly valuable. “A fine arts education delivers transferable skills,” he adds. “Rather than looking at issues from a two-dimensional, ‘here are the rules’ perspective, creative thinking nurtures creative problem solving.”

“For business schools in Canada and abroad, I believe the next wave of education will see these critical and creative thinking skills built into the curricula. That’s something NSCAD can bring to this process.”

“NSCAD draws on its history, state-of-the-art teaching methods, fabulous faculty and staff to offer the best quality arts education,” says Rob. “NSCAD is always challenging itself to provide better, more enlightened, and more progressive ways of looking at the world.”

“I believe NSCAD’s 120-year reputation for excellence will only be amplified over the next 120 years.”

Photo by Jodi Bucholtz, BFA 2007