UNT’s new Institute for the Advancement of the Arts welcomed Oscar-nominated writer Guillermo Arriaga this fall as its first artist-in-residence. The institute supports faculty and other accomplished professionals in the visual, performing and creative literary arts. It also is designed to enhance the learning environment for students and build on UNT’s legacy as a center for artistic expression and education.

As the first artist-in-residence, Arriaga spoke to classes and joined the institute’s opening festivities in October. He will be granted time to pursue creative projects as well as share his expertise with students, faculty and the community.

Among his acclaimed films are The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, winner of the Best Screenplay Award at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival, and Babel, which earned seven Academy Award nominations and the Golden Globe for Best Dramatic Film of 2006. Most recently, Arriaga made his directorial debut with The Burning Plain, based on his screenplay.