DU Establishes the Joseph and Loretta Law Institute of Arts and Technology
$20 million gift from Dennis and Loretta Law will enable DU to infuse global perspectives and emerging technologies into artistic knowledge creation
The University of Denver today announced the establishment of the innovative and transformational Joseph and Loretta Law Institute of Arts and Technology, made possible through a $20 million gift from Dr. Dennis Law and his mother, Loretta Law. This gift includes seed capital and long-term funding that will make the University of Denver the home for artistic creation that spans and incorporates global cultures and genres, further cementing the University as a global cultural center in a fast-growing city with a thriving arts scene.
In addition, the Law family has entrusted the University to house a collection of art from their collections in the United States and Hong Kong that will add incredible diversity to the University’s art and special collections.
Making the most recent breakthroughs in artistic technology accessible to students and the public through seminars, workshops, visiting fellows and scholars, performances and education, the Institute will enhance the University’s exploration of artistic creation at the forefront of digital innovation. The Institute will also establish an annual international electronic music festival that attracts internationally renowned master performers of electronic instruments to the city of Denver, helping inspire a wave of exploration into the synthesis of artistic sensibility and technical skill.
“The Joseph and Loretta Law Institute creatively advances the University of Denver’s vision as a global anchor institution dedicated to scholarship, creative endeavors, research and the public good,” said Chancellor Rebecca Chopp. “Aligning with our strategic plan, DU IMPACT 2025, Dennis has joined us in dreaming at the edges of what is possible and challenging the traditional. The Law family’s generosity inspires our community to expand our innovation and imagination on an international scale.”
The Institute will explore artistic expressions just recently made possible through the combination of new technologies and the emotional intelligence of the arts. An educational and research center, the Institute will work to create sounds, design paradigms and artistic expression rooted in a diverse global fusion of cultures, expertise and experiences. the Institute will also convene communities and offer collaborative and creative opportunities that align faculty and students with artists, scientists and experts from around the world.
Dennis Law, a dear friend of the University of Denver, is making this gift to honor his parents, Joseph and Loretta. Their story is one of perseverance, loyalty and love. A passionate advocate for workplace standards in China, Joseph combined American ventures with Chinese talent in business ventures. The entire University community is honored to become part of their family legacy.
“Human endeavors have always revolved around family, work and play,” said Law. “Therefore, the creation of entertainment and intellectual content that can better our lives in all of these areas must always be a necessary and rewarding pursuit. Adding multi-national and multicultural artistic and technological resources can expand the horizon and enrich the resulting mosaic of entertainment content for the future. I can think of no better place than the University of Denver to partner with me in this vision, and honor my parents.”
Law has committed funding to launch the Joseph and Loretta Law Institute of Arts and Technology over the next several years and has made a philanthropic commitment that will endow the Institute for generations to come. Further, Loretta Law has committed gifts from her personal art collection to the Institute that will add a distinct international element to the University’s Collection.
Vice Chancellor of Advancement Armin Afsahi said, “Joseph and Loretta Law represent the University of Denver’s highest values. They saw opportunity in the midst of difficulty and optimism in the face of heartbreak. In doing so, they taught their four sons — Dennis, Ronald, Christopher and Jeremy — the power of philanthropy and the importance of community engagement. We are grateful for the Law family’s philanthropic vision, and for recognizing that the University of Denver is a strong partner in the Denver community to fulfill the Institute’s mission.”
The Joseph and Loretta Law Institute of Arts and Technology will hold a global launch in February 2018 and feature several electronic music productions, an international electronic music festival, an awards ceremony and master classes available to students and members of the community. The festival will grow to include electronic music from various media, including film, television and gaming.
