We are the College of the Arts
From its nationally accredited programs in art, music and theatre to its communication program's Non Profit and Civic Engagement Center (NPACE), the College is building upon its well-deserved reputation for excellence. With world-class, state-of-the-art facilities on the historic RiverPark Campus, the College endeavors to attract nationally and internationally recognized faculty so as to foster active student engagement in the intellectual and creative process.
Faculty strive to achieve a high level of distinction in knowledge transfer by demonstrating a commitment to leadership in faculty and student scholarship and creative activity. Furthermore, faculty maintain a heritage of collaborative relationships with artistic, cultural, professional and educational organizations by continually developing contemporary, rigorous and innovative programming targeted at enriching the lives of Georgians.
The College is a major economic force in the revitalization of Uptown Columbus, contributing more than $26 million to the local economy while attracting thousands of visitors by hosting international conferences in music, state meetings in art and theatre, and by presenting 250 performances and art exhibitions annually. Additionally, more than a dozen non-profit organizations receive more than 1,000 student work hours of assistance with communication projects through the College's NPACE each year.
The College of the Arts provides excellent academic programs and dynamic community outreach as it continues its transformational effect on the RiverPark Campus, Uptown Columbus, and Southwest Georgia. RiverPark is truly an incubator for creative inquiry and expression.
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The art faculty lets me explore my own goals but always demands quality.
— Rose Naugle, BFA student in studio art
We are the College of the Arts:
Department of Art
The Department prepares its graduates for success in a global environment by providing a student-centered, comprehensive education in studio art, digital and graphic design, art education and art history. Faculty develop student creative and intellectual potential, employ the highest quality pedagogy and foster critical thinking through creative and scholarly research. Through active collaboration, the Department endeavors to enrich the cultural fabric of local, regional and global communities.
Department of Communication
The Department prepares civically engaged graduates by integrating 21st Century curriculum and service learning components. Students apply standards, principles, and best practices in partnerships with local organizations and city governments. By providing resources to local non-profit organizations, the Department emphasizes sustainability efforts to enhance the quality of civic life in the community and region.
Schwob School of Music
A conservatory of music within a public university, the Schwob School is a community of artists committed to the highest standards of artistry and integrity within a selective and nurturing learning environment. The dedicated faculty of teaching artists embrace creative approaches to best practices in education, and provide professionally focused experiences preparing individuals to become leaders in the music field.
Department of Theatre
The Department educates students in the collaborative art of theatre and prepares them for professional employment, careers in theatre education, and graduate study. The curriculum teaches the craft and artistry of acting, directing, design, technical and educational theatre. The professional and energetic faculty encourages students to experiment, explore, and discover in a supportive yet challenging environment. Theatre productions serve as a laboratory where students practice classroom theories, test analytical skills and undertake cooperative endeavors while promoting the creative act of theatre.
Outreach Centers and Programs
The Bo Bartlett Center
The Center explores the art of Columbus, Georgia native Bo Bartlett within the context of his precursors and peers through exhibitions, scholarship, and public programming. The Bartlett Center is an interdisciplinary learning center based on a holistic approach to art and life that embraces the foundational role creativity plays in our everyday world.
The Georgia Repertory Theatre
As America’s next great professional teaching theatre company, the Georgia Repertory Theatre provides academic and professional training experiences which expose the student to the very best in both educational foundations and professional training in the theatre. This collaborative effort is a partnership between the State Theatre of Georgia Springer Opera House and the Department of Theatre. Students are benefitted from training provided by professional artists on faculty which is applied within the context of the professional theatre company at the State Theatre of Georgia Springer Opera House.
NPACE
The Non-Profit and Civic Engagement Center (NPACE) is a storefront access point for community non-profits and local government seeking assistance with strategic communication and digital production communication needs. The Center promotes sustainable resource collaboration through student service-learning projects and faculty-driven research developed with these local organizations.
Pasaquan
The seven acre art environment consists of six major structures, more than 900 feet of painted masonry fence, painted totems, decorative walkways, sculptures, hammered steel and other art and artifacts. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered among the most important visionary art environments in the Southeast. The Department of Art is charged with preserving, maintaining, providing access to, and assisting in the interpretation of Pasaquan by giving visitors a unique insight into the power of creativity by engaging them in diverse programming which challenges established ideas about the arts and inspire a sense of inquiry and creativity.
Take a Seat
The campaign to provide funding for the Schwob School of Music and the Department of Theatre.
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