A big part of the college experience is the friends you will meet throughout your academic journey. It’s important to find inspiration – whether it’s collaborating with others in a student organization, living with other creatives, or expanding your artistic learning.
Whether you are inspired by seeing others’ artwork or would like to exhibit or perform, UW–Madison is the place for you. With over 30 galleries and 10 performance spaces, we present over 1,000 arts events every year. Do you like to venture out to enjoy a great film? There are 3 movie theaters on campus. We are home to the largest university-produced film festival in the nation. The Wisconsin Film Festival runs for eight days in April. Over 150 films are shown, including student work and international films.
It is up to you to create your own experience from the countless opportunities available to you. Choose from 100+ student organizations in the arts or start your own. Get involved with other creatives at the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD). WUD is the student programming and leadership board for the Wisconsin Union. Students in WUD organize and promote some of the best experiences and events you can get outside the classroom. WUD works with diverse art forms, from curating art galleries to scouting and booking live music acts. Wheelhouse Studios offers short-term classes or drop-in studios including 2D or 3D work spaces and ceramics.
We are also home to the Chazen Museum of Art, which includes work by major modern and contemporary artists. While walking to classes, you may be inspired by some amazing and thought-provoking public art. From John Steuart Curry to Dale Chihuly, you’ll be surrounded by art created by diverse and renowned artists.
Resources:
- American Indian Student & Cultural Center
- Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Cultural Center
- Black Cultural Center
- Campus Tours
- Chazen Museum of Art Student Ambassadors
- Gallery Guide
- Gender and Sexuality Campus Center
- Latinx Cultural Center
- Lynn Mecklenburg Textile Gallery
- MERIT
- Multicultural Student Center
- Performance Spaces
- Public Art on Campus
- Ruth Davis Design Gallery
- Student Affairs
- Student Life
- Student Organizations (Select “Arts & Music”; video)
- Wisconsin Union Directorate (video)
- Wheelhouse Studios (video)
- UW–Madison DesignLab
- UW Makerspace
“I chose to pursue a degree at Madison because of the atmosphere and opportunities offered at the university. I want to experience everything that college has to offer and be able to focus on what I love doing.”
– Danielle Mohr, BS Art Education, 2017
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