New Student-Made Film Showcases the Rise of ART Tank

From the back of a napkin to the walls of Stony Brook University, ART Tank has grown from a simple idea into a platform for student creativity.

Debuting in Fall 2024, ART Tank emerged from the efforts of the Campus Beautification Committee (CBC), whose members envisioned a reality TV-style art competition for the campus community. Since then, the initiative has allowed students to leave their mark on Stony Brook through original, creative projects.

A short documentary, produced by students Anna Winger '26 and Boson Chang '27, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the idea first took shape quite literally, scribbled on a napkin during a CBC holiday gathering.

"Without that [art], the buildings… are just buildings. They're not places that really represent people," CBC E-Board member, Wolfie Tank founder and ART Tank cofounder David Ecker explains in the video, describing the committee's focus on placemaking; transforming campus spaces into reflections of student identity.

Beyond the competition itself, the documentary highlights the broader goal of CBC: making art more accessible and inclusive. Students from all disciplines - not just art majors - are encouraged to participate, fostering a growing sense of inclusivity and community on campus. The committee has a wide range of varied completed student projects across campus.

Since its formation in 2023, the Campus Beautification Committee has, in fact, led several initiatives to highlight student-led art at Stony Brook, with ART Tank serving as a cornerstone of that mission. As interest continues to grow, the founders hope to expand opportunities for creative expression even further. With two competitions already resulting in student artworks displayed in the library and an installation in progress at the President's Office, the CBC is preparing for its third ART Tank competition, set to take place on October 29, 2026.

- Humayra Noor (CBC Student Intern)

Related SBU News articles:

ART Tank Competition Makes Its Debut, Showcasing Student Works
From Creation to Installation: First CBC ART Tank Pieces Go 'Live'
Second Annual ART Tank Showcases More Stony Brook Student Talent