Richmond artist and School of the Arts alumnus Ed Trask works on a painted logo at a groundbreaking event for VCU’s Institute for Contemporary Art.

Arts for all

Arts

Arts

VCU wouldn’t be VCU without the arts, and neither would Richmond.

Based in a city that’s known for embracing the arts, our graduate arts program is ranked No. 1 among public institutions by U.S. News and World Report. But it’s more than that. 

Our business school has an artist-in-residence. Our medical residents take sculpture classes to better understand the body. The newly opened Institute for Contemporary Art is drawing national attention. And each year we offer hundreds of performances, exhibits and screenings to the community. When our students graduate, they’re equipped with a creative mindset that sets them apart.

  • Students in costume performing on stage during Into the Woods production

    The VCUarts Theatre Department produces four main productions a year, such as “Into the Woods” in spring 2018, while the student-run Shafer Alliance Laboratory Theatre puts on a slew of other productions throughout the year. Photo by Sarah Ferguson.

  • Man twirling flames outside at night during First Fridays

    Onlookers watch as a man twirls flames during First Fridays, a year-round art walk that takes place in Richmond’s Art District on the first Friday of the month.

  • Student dancers perform on stage

    VCU dance students perform a new work by guest choreographer Helen Simoneau. Photo by Sarah Ferguson.

  • School of Business artist in residence Noah Scalin’s installation, “Portrait of Innovation: Maggie Walker”

    Students helped School of Business Artist-in-Residence Noah Scalin create a portrait of pioneering businesswoman Maggie Walker entirely out of donated clothing.

  • VCU’s student fashion show.

    Fashion design students bring their sketches to glorious life at VCU’s annual fashion show in May, while their counterparts in fashion merchandising learn a thing or two about show production. 

  • Student musicians take a hint from the world of sports and use a motion caption lab and video footage to understand the mechanics of the way they play.

    Student musicians take a hint from the world of sports and use a motion caption lab and video footage to understand the mechanics of the way they play.

  • Students prepare for the Anderson Gallery’s 2017 Undergraduate Exhibition.

    Springtime at VCU means undergraduate and graduate student juried exhibitions.

  • Filming of Homeland on the VCU campus.

    It’s not uncommon for a TV show or movie to be filming in Richmond, or even on campus (like “Homeland” in fall 2017), and for VCU students to be involved in the productions.

  • Palette Dance Class.

    Dance is for the young at heart, which is why VCU students and faculty participate in PALETTE, an intergenerational arts program that partners students with senior adults in the community. 

Want to see what’s happening?

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Art programs

VCU’s School of the Arts offers 18 undergraduate and 5 graduate degree programs

View arts programs

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. 

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VCU is forever proving that magic happens when you infuse art and creativity into other disciplines.

A close up of greenery.

New leaf

Arts students team up with engineering and biology students to design a green wall that helps reduce urban heat island Read more
Students rolling on chairs down a hallway.

Up all night

At annual CreateAthon, arts, advertising, business and other students spend 24 hours providing free creative work to area nonprofits Read more
Students playing in an orchestra

Music that mends

Students perform musical adaptation of book written by English professor and former inmates who took his writing class while in jail Read more
Close up of graphic novel interior page.

Demystifying diabetes

Communication arts major uses research grant to create a graphic novel that helps children navigate diabetes Read more

Richmond arts scene

Here is just a sampling of the places and events that make Richmond’s art scene so very vibrant. And where you find art in Richmond, you’ll likely find VCU students, faculty or alumni involved.

Visual arts

Music/dance

Theater/film

Where to see arts on campus

VCU is home to great visual and performing arts venues. 

  • Richmond Rhythm at Singleton Center for the Performing Arts.

    W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts
    The Singleton Center contains a 500-seat concert hall, as well as a 257-seat theater and showcases VCUarts music performances and theater productions throughout the year.

  • Markel Center at the Institute for Contemporary Art
    The ICA showcases a fresh slate of changing exhibitions, performances, films and special programs that encourage in-depth consideration of the central issues of our time.

  • Art exhibit at the Anderson gallery.

    The Anderson
    Juried student and M.F.A. thesis shows are exhibited in this historic building.

  • VCU symposium “Yoruba Art: Continuity and Change"

    Grace Street Theater
    This 225-seat theater is the primary performing venue for the Department of Dance and Choreography, but also frequently shows films.

  • Building front of the Black music centet

    James W. Black Music Center
    Many student recitals and ensemble performances are performed in the 300-seat recital hall of this renovated former church.

  • Art exhibit at the Depot.

    The Depot
     This former streetcar station houses, among other things, the Arts Research Institute, which often showcases works produced by faculty that span the visual arts, performing arts and design. 

  • Four students performing on stage set to look like children

    Shafer Street Playhouse
    Home of the student-run Shafer Alliance Laboratory Theatre, this building contains rehearsal space and a 150-seat theater. Photo by Linda Hogan.

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