The Arts at Davidson College encompass a wide array of disciplines, including visual arts, music, theatre, dance, and creative writing, offering students unparalleled opportunities to explore, create, and perform. Davidson College, a prestigious liberal arts institution located in Davidson, North Carolina, is renowned for its vibrant and dynamic arts community.  With state-of-the-art facilities, a distinguished faculty, and a commitment to fostering creativity and innovation, Davidson College provides a rich and immersive arts education that prepares students for careers in the arts and beyond. Whether you are an aspiring artist, performer, or simply an arts enthusiast, Davidson College offers a supportive and inspiring environment where artistic expression thrives.

Thank you for visiting Art Institutes, don't forget to subscribe to the Art Institutes Newsletter!

The Arts at Davidson College:
A Comprehensive Overview

Visual Arts

The Visual Arts program at Davidson College is housed in the Van Every/Smith Galleries, which serve as the centerpiece of the college’s visual arts community. These galleries host a rotating schedule of exhibitions featuring works by internationally acclaimed artists, as well as student and faculty showcases. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Studio Art, with courses ranging from drawing, painting, and sculpture to digital media, photography, and printmaking. Students have access to cutting-edge studios and equipment, allowing them to experiment with various mediums and techniques. The college also emphasizes the importance of art history, offering courses that explore global art movements, critical theory, and contemporary practices. Through internships, study abroad programs, and collaborations with local arts organizations, students gain real-world experience and build professional networks.

Music

Davidson College’s Department of Music is a hub for musical excellence, offering a Bachelor of Arts in Music as well as numerous opportunities for performance and study. The department boasts a diverse faculty of accomplished musicians and scholars who provide personalized instruction in areas such as composition, music theory, history, and performance. Students can participate in a variety of ensembles, including the Davidson College Symphony Orchestra, Chorale, Jazz Ensemble, and Chamber Music Groups. The college also hosts the Concert Series, which brings world-class musicians to campus for performances and masterclasses. For those interested in music technology, the department offers courses in audio production and digital composition. Davidson’s music program is designed to nurture both technical proficiency and artistic expression, preparing students for careers in performance, education, and music-related fields.

Theatre

The Department of Theatre at Davidson College is dedicated to the study and practice of the dramatic arts. Offering a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, the program emphasizes a holistic approach to theatre education, combining rigorous academic study with hands-on experience in acting, directing, design, and production. Students have the opportunity to work in the Duke Family Performance Hall, a state-of-the-art venue that hosts mainstage productions, student-directed shows, and guest performances. The department also offers courses in playwriting, stage management, and theatre history, as well as workshops with visiting artists and professionals. Through partnerships with regional theatres and participation in national conferences, students gain valuable industry insights and connections. Davidson’s theatre program is committed to fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in the performing arts.

Dance

Davidson College’s Dance Program is an integral part of the arts community, offering students the opportunity to explore dance as both an art form and a means of personal expression. The program offers courses in ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary dance, as well as choreography and dance history. Students can participate in the Davidson Dance Ensemble, which performs regularly on campus and at regional festivals. The college also hosts guest choreographers and dance companies, providing students with exposure to diverse styles and perspectives. For those interested in interdisciplinary work, the dance program collaborates with other arts departments to create innovative performances that integrate music, theatre, and visual arts. Davidson’s dance program is designed to cultivate technical skill, artistic vision, and a deep appreciation for the cultural significance of dance.

Creative Writing

The Creative Writing Program at Davidson College is a cornerstone of the college’s commitment to the literary arts. Offering a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Creative Writing, the program provides students with the opportunity to develop their craft in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Courses are taught by published authors and poets who offer personalized feedback and mentorship. Students can showcase their work in the Davidson Literary Journal, participate in writing workshops, and attend readings by visiting writers. The college also hosts the Annual Emerging Writers Lecture, which brings acclaimed authors to campus to share their work and insights. Through internships, publishing opportunities, and participation in literary conferences, students gain practical experience and build connections within the literary community. Davidson’s creative writing program is designed to inspire and challenge students, helping them to refine their voice and develop their unique artistic perspective.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities

One of the hallmarks of The Arts at Davidson College is the emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Students are encouraged to explore connections between different art forms and to engage in cross-disciplinary projects that push the boundaries of traditional artistic practice. The college offers a variety of interdisciplinary courses and programs, such as the Arts and Technology Initiative, which explores the intersection of art and digital media, and the Arts and Social Justice Program, which examines the role of the arts in promoting social change. Through these initiatives, students have the opportunity to work with faculty and peers from different disciplines, fostering a spirit of innovation and creativity.

Community Engagement and Outreach

The Arts at Davidson College are deeply connected to the broader community, with numerous initiatives designed to engage the public and promote arts education. The college partners with local schools, arts organizations, and community groups to offer workshops, performances, and exhibitions that are open to the public. The Davidson Arts and Creative Engagement (DACE) Program provides funding and support for student-led arts projects that benefit the community. Through these efforts, Davidson College seeks to make the arts accessible to all and to inspire a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Facilities and Resources

Davidson College is home to world-class arts facilities that provide students with the tools and spaces they need to create and perform. The Knobloch Campus Center houses the Van Every/Smith Galleries, as well as rehearsal spaces and studios for music, theatre, and dance. The Duke Family Performance Hall is a state-of-the-art venue that hosts concerts, plays, and dance performances, while the Cunningham Theatre Center offers additional performance and rehearsal spaces. The college also provides access to a wide range of resources, including a music library, digital media labs, and a costume and scene shop. These facilities are designed to support the artistic growth and development of students, providing them with the resources they need to succeed.

Why Study The Arts at Davidson College?

The Arts at Davidson College represent a vibrant and integral part of the college’s mission to provide a comprehensive liberal arts education. With a wide range of programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to fostering creativity and innovation, Davidson College offers students unparalleled opportunities to explore and develop their artistic talents. Whether through performance, exhibition, or publication, students are encouraged to push the boundaries of their creativity and to make meaningful contributions to the arts community. For those seeking a transformative arts education in a supportive and inspiring environment, Davidson College is the ideal place to pursue their passion for the arts.

The Arts at Davidson College:
Academic Programs Offered in the Arts

Davidson College offers a diverse range of academic programs in the arts, designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in their chosen discipline. These programs are structured to foster creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency, preparing students for careers in the arts and beyond. Below is a detailed list of the academic programs offered, categorized by discipline, along with descriptions, details, and duration.

Visual Arts

Bachelor of Arts in Art History

1. • Description: This program explores the history of art from ancient times to the present, with a focus on understanding the cultural, social, and political contexts of artistic production. Students develop critical thinking and analytical skills through the study of visual culture.
   • Duration: 4 years
   • Details: Courses include surveys of Western and non-Western art, specialized topics in art history, and research methods. Students also have the opportunity to participate in internships and study abroad programs.

Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art

1. • Description: This program emphasizes hands-on artistic practice, allowing students to explore various mediums and techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and digital media.
   • Duration: 4 years
   • Details: The curriculum includes foundational courses in drawing and design, advanced studio courses, and a senior thesis project. Students have access to state-of-the-art studios and exhibition spaces.

Music

 Bachelor of Arts in Music

1. • Description: This program offers a comprehensive education in music, including performance, composition, theory, and history. Students can specialize in areas such as instrumental or vocal performance, music technology, or musicology.
   • Duration: 4 years
   • Details: The curriculum includes private lessons, ensemble participation, and courses in music theory, history, and composition. Students also have opportunities to perform in concerts and recitals.

Music Minor

1. • Description: The music minor allows students to pursue their interest in music while majoring in another field. It includes courses in music theory, history, and performance.
   • Duration: Typically 2-3 years
   • Details: Students can participate in ensembles and take private lessons, in addition to completing required coursework.

Theatre

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre

1. • Description: This program provides a comprehensive education in the dramatic arts, including acting, directing, design, and production. Students gain practical experience through participation in mainstage productions and student-directed shows.
   • Duration: 4 years
   • Details: The curriculum includes courses in acting, stagecraft, playwriting, and theatre history. Students also have opportunities to work with visiting artists and professionals.

Theatre Minor

1. • Description: The theatre minor allows students to explore their interest in theatre while majoring in another field. It includes courses in acting, design, and theatre history.
   • Duration: Typically 2-3 years
   • Details: Students can participate in productions and take specialized courses in areas such as directing or stage management.

Dance

Dance Minor

1. • Description: The dance minor offers students the opportunity to study dance as an art form, with courses in ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary dance. Students also learn about choreography and dance history.
   • Duration: Typically 2-3 years
   • Details: The curriculum includes technique classes, composition, and performance opportunities. Students can participate in the Davidson Dance Ensemble and attend workshops with guest choreographers.

Creative Writing

Bachelor of Arts in English with a Concentration in Creative Writing

1. • Description: This program allows students to develop their skills in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction writing. Students work closely with published authors and poets to refine their craft.
   • Duration: 4 years
   • Details: The curriculum includes workshops in creative writing, courses in literature, and a senior thesis project. Students can also participate in the Davidson Literary Journal and attend readings by visiting writers.

Creative Writing Minor

1. • Description: The creative writing minor allows students to explore their interest in writing while majoring in another field. It includes courses in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction writing.
   • Duration: Typically 2-3 years
   • Details: Students can participate in workshops, attend readings, and submit their work to the Davidson Literary Journal.

Interdisciplinary Programs

Arts and Technology Initiative

1. • Description: This initiative explores the intersection of art and digital media, offering courses and projects that integrate technology with artistic practice.
   • Duration: Varies (can be incorporated into any major or minor)
   • Details: Students can take courses in digital art, music technology, and interactive media, and participate in collaborative projects that combine art and technology.

Arts and Social Justice Program

1. • Description: This program examines the role of the arts in promoting social change, offering courses and projects that explore the relationship between art and activism.
   • Duration: Varies (can be incorporated into any major or minor)
   • Details: Students can take courses in arts activism, community engagement, and social justice theory, and participate in projects that use the arts to address social issues.

Additional Opportunities

• Study Abroad Programs: Davidson College offers study abroad programs that allow students to explore the arts in different cultural contexts. Programs are available in locations such as Italy, France, and Japan.
• Internships: Students can gain real-world experience through internships with local and regional arts organizations, including museums, theatres, and music ensembles.
• Senior Thesis/Capstone Projects: Many programs require a senior thesis or capstone project, allowing students to showcase their skills and creativity in a culminating work.

The academic programs offered at The Arts at Davidson College provide students with a rich and diverse education in the arts. With a wide range of majors, minors, and interdisciplinary opportunities, students can tailor their education to their interests and career goals. Whether through performance, exhibition, or publication, students are encouraged to push the boundaries of their creativity and make meaningful contributions to the arts community.

Contact Information:

The Arts at Davidson College

Mailing Address:
The Arts at Davidson College
Davidson College
209 Ridge Road
Davidson, NC 28035
USA

Phone:
Main Office: +1-704-894-2000

Email:
General Inquiries: arts@davidson.edu

Website URLs:
www.davidson.edu/arts

Social Media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DavidsonCollegeArts
Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidsoncollegearts
Twitter: www.twitter.com/DavidsonArts

Department-Specific Contact Information:

• Visual Arts: visualarts@davidson.edu
• Music: music@davidson.edu
• Theatre: theatre@davidson.edu
• Dance: dance@davidson.edu
• Creative Writing: creativewriting@davidson.edu