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.

Sound of science

A kinetic imaging class composed electronic music based on environmental data gathered at VCU’s Rice River Centers.

Student playing music with DJ equipment.

Comics creativity

VCU’s Graphic Narratives Lab lets undergrads flex their comics creativity and explore visual storytelling.

Comic-style illustration of a blue-haired woman with pointed ears and a rat sitting on her shoulder.

Ethical metalsmithing

A VCUarts professor’s traveling art project, Radical Jewelry Makeover, transforms donated jewelry into wearable art.

A crowded room with volunteers sorting through donated jewelry.

Fast tracks

In one semester, a media entrepreneurship class produced and released an album featuring music from Rams past and present.

Two students sit at table with music production equipment.

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
  • 367 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.