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Student creating art at a desk
One college. Six schools. A million ways to make it.

About the College of Fine Arts

We believe that you aren’t just looking to go to school—you’re continuing your life’s work. That’s why we’re driven to empower you through the arts, inspiring originality, and helping you create your place in the world.

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About Us

Our students and faculty assist in building culturally inclusive and resilient community through arts engagement and collaboration. Through developing partnerships between the College of Fine Arts and regional municipal, cultural, and educational institutions, our programs make learning through hands on experience a priority.

You’ll learn from acclaimed artists who teach because sharing their ideas and techniques with talented students inspires them. Our faculty have performed and designed on the world’s greatest stages, exhibited at prestigious museums and galleries, published creative and scholarly research and served as leaders with international arts organizations. Their mentorship will help you hone your skills and make connections across creative industries.

With hundreds of performances, lectures and exhibitions throughout the year, you’ll also find many opportunities to share your talents with the community. To further the atmosphere of continuous collaboration and artistic ideation, visiting artists, scholars and filmmakers, along with theater, dance and music professionals share their insights and talents.

Tucked into the rolling hills of scenic southeastern Ohio, the University has earned a reputation for its rich educational tradition and outstanding academic programs. The idyllic beauty of the region is enhanced by the deep and varied tradition of arts, creating an exciting and culturally rich community. It’s no wonder that Athens was recently named one of the best small art towns in America.

If you’re looking for a unique, vibrant, and innovative environment to explore and refine your craft, the College of Fine Arts is for you.

Explore Our Schools

  • Art + Design

    Emphasizing scholarly and creative research, our innovative programs reflect contemporary practices that are responsive to the dynamic field of the visual arts, preparing students for enduring careers in the arts and beyond.

    Art + Design
  • Music

    Emphasizing scholarly and creative research, our innovative programs reflect contemporary practices that are responsive to the dynamic field of the visual arts, preparing students for enduring careers in the arts and beyond.

    Music
  • Theater

    Hone your craft through imagination, discipline, and conviction. We challenge our students to engage critically and creatively with research, the arts, and the world to prepare them for leadership roles as artists and citizens.

    Theater
  • Dance

    Join us to engage in choreography, performance and production, integrated with theoretical, historical, cultural and practical studies in dance. We cultivate an understanding and practice of collaboration, which encompasses communication, creativity, diversity, and adaptability that facilitate living in a complex world.

    Dance
  • Film

    Since its beginning in the 1970s, the Film program has been preparing students for film and video careers in higher education, and for success in the motion picture and television industry. Join our award-winning professional faculty and superb facilities and equipment rivaled by no other program in Ohio or the region.

    Film
  • Interdisciplinary Arts

    Explore the dynamic world of interdisciplinary scholarship and creation— we ask complex or vexing questions that cannot be answered adequately within the boundaries of any single discipline, within the field of the arts.

    Interdisciplinary Arts

​​Visit the College of Fine Arts

Sitting in on classes, getting feedback on your portfolio or audition, visiting or attending our annual Experience the Arts Day will help you gain a true understanding of life in the College of Fine Arts. We’ve saved a place just for you.

Experience Our Programs

History

Beginning in 1883 with the first piano lessons and singing classes offered at Ohio University, through today, the visual and performing arts have been at the forefront of our historic land grant institution.

Explore Our History​​

Our Faculty and Staff

Our faculty are acclaimed artists in their own right, imparting knowledge and collaborating alongside students to help you find your own artistic voice, and we have the staff support every stage of your creative growth. 

Meet them all

The Ridges Auditorium

An event facility located at the Ridges Complex is used for College of Fine Arts performances, plays, concerts, recitals, lectures and various functions, and is available for use by the greater university community and private events as well!

Explore this facility