A culture of creativity in the heart of a dynamic city

Based in a city that's known for embracing the arts, our graduate arts program is ranked one of the top by U.S. News and World Report. But artists aren't the only ones who think creatively.

Our business school has an artist-in-residence. Our medical residents take sculpture classes to better understand the body. The Institute for Contemporary Art tackles current social conversations. And each year we offer hundreds of performances, exhibits and screenings to the community. It’s no wonder our graduates are prepared for a rapidly changing world.

Arts and innovation

New ideas can take root and grow with the help of programs that foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

Man and machine

An arts and engineering team is exploring the potential relationship between robotics and dance.

A woman dancing next to a robot

Up all night

At annual CreateAthon, arts, advertising, business and other students spend 24 hours providing free creative work to area nonprofits.

Students at the VCU CreateAthon

Let's make art!

Students explore their artistic side in Spanish class, while delving into family politics, mental health and personal passions.

A collage with a red patterned background with black and white cut-outs from photos on top.

Ancestral design

A VCU social work professor connects with his Ghanaian ancestors through clothing design.

Three people standing next to each other.

Modern masterpiece

The Institute for Contemporary Art is on a mission to spark discussion, trigger emotion and promote collaboration with provocative art, lectures and performances from local, national and international artists.

Photo of the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU building at night

Catch a show

Small, quirky galleries. Historic recital halls. The walls of the library. There are countless places on campus to see the visual and performing arts. Here are a few of our favorites.

Quick facts

  • 100+ visiting artists and arts professionals hosted per year
  • 311 students at VCUarts’ branch campus in Doha, Qatar

The artists next door

Where VCU’s campus ends, Richmond’s arts district begins. Here are a few of the galleries, museums and festivals — many just steps away — that make the city’s arts scene so vibrant.