The Arts at the University of Virginia is dedicated to building on innovative research and fostering inspired expression that equips us for the future.
Student Opportunities Arts Scholars The College of Arts & Sciences
Mission
The Arts Scholars passionately look to better the University of Virginia Arts Community and the institution as a whole: our mission is to create an environment that fosters awareness, education, and advocacy for the arts on the grounds of the University of Virginia. Our community is built on the pillars of Service, Leadership, and Scholarship. Each arts scholar should look be a multi-faceted leader, using his or her array of talents to serve the community. Above all, as artists we are on grounds to make a difference by means of our creativity.
Unlike the situation found at most large research universities, Arts Scholars are part of a small group of undergraduate students who have direct access to the best resources in the arts at the University of Virginia including personal introductions to our most distinguished arts faculty. Arts Scholars have a senior faculty member serving as their advisor-mentor from the very beginning of their program of study. First through fourth-year Arts Scholars gather regularly for exclusive events and offerings, building intimate connections with some of the most gifted fellow artists on Grounds. During the first year, all scholars enroll in the College Arts Scholars Seminar, where they meet internationally-renowned arts faculty from each of the participating departments, hear talks on issues in the forefront of arts, and visit arts facilities, etc.
Those designated as Arts Scholars who also choose to major or minor in Studio Art, Drama or Music, Dance are also eligible for grants in support of an art-related project during the summer between the third and fourth years of study. Past Arts Scholars have used these grants to support intensive work in the arts in Charlottesville and at sites around the world—from Germany to Ghana. For instance, one Arts Scholar spent a summer in residence with an internationally renowned dance company in New York, studying both modern and ballet technique. “This was one of the best experiences of my life so far,” she said of her summer. Another student worked at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, DC. “My experience with the Hirshhorn allowed me to grasp a fuller picture of the museum’s function in the nexus it shares with the art history academy and art practice itself,” he said. Regardless of the major ultimately chosen, students involved with our program will always be part of the Arts Scholar community.
There is no application form; students are selected by the faculty of Studio Art, Music, Drama, and Dance based on information contained in arts supplements and applications for admission.
Reproduction, including downloading of ARS works is prohibited by copyright laws and international conventions without the express written permission of Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
