The Arts at Dartmouth College, renowned for its Ivy League academic excellence, is also a vibrant center for the arts, offering a rich and diverse array of programs that span art history, studio art, music, theater, film and media studies, and more. Nestled in the picturesque town of Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth’s commitment to the arts is deeply embedded in its curriculum, campus culture, and community engagement. The college provides students with unparalleled opportunities to explore, create, and innovate across disciplines, fostering a dynamic environment where artistic expression and intellectual inquiry intersect. With state-of-the-art facilities, world-class faculty, and a robust calendar of performances, exhibitions, and events, Dartmouth College stands as a premier destination for students passionate about the arts.

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The Arts at Dartmouth College: A Comprehensive Hub of Creativity, Innovation, and Cultural Exploration

Art History: Unraveling the Stories Behind Visual Culture

The Art History Department at Dartmouth College offers a rigorous academic program that examines the historical, cultural, and social contexts of visual art. Students explore a wide range of artistic traditions, from ancient civilizations to contemporary global art movements. The department emphasizes critical thinking, research, and visual analysis, preparing students for careers in museums, galleries, academia, and beyond. Dartmouth’s Hood Museum of Art, a cornerstone of the arts community, serves as an invaluable resource, housing over 65,000 works of art that span centuries and cultures. The museum’s collections and exhibitions are integrated into the curriculum, providing students with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to engage directly with art objects.

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Studio Art: Cultivating Creative Expression and Technical Mastery

Dartmouth’s Studio Art program is designed for students who wish to develop their artistic practice in a supportive and challenging environment. The program offers courses in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and digital media, encouraging students to experiment with diverse materials and techniques. Under the guidance of accomplished faculty, students refine their technical skills while exploring conceptual and theoretical frameworks. The Black Family Visual Arts Center, a cutting-edge facility, provides studios, galleries, and workshops equipped with the latest tools and technologies. This space fosters collaboration and innovation, enabling students to bring their artistic visions to life.

Music: Harmonizing Tradition and Innovation

The Music Department at Dartmouth College celebrates the transformative power of music through a comprehensive curriculum that includes performance, composition, music theory, and ethnomusicology. Students can participate in a variety of ensembles, such as the Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra, Glee Club, World Music Percussion Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble, gaining valuable experience in collaborative music-making. The department also offers private lessons and masterclasses with visiting artists, ensuring that students receive personalized instruction. Dartmouth’s Hopkins Center for the Arts, affectionately known as “the Hop,” is a cultural hub that hosts concerts, recitals, and lectures, enriching the musical landscape of the campus and the broader community.

Theater: Bringing Stories to Life on Stage

Dartmouth’s Theater Department is dedicated to the study and practice of theater as a dynamic and interdisciplinary art form. The program covers a wide range of topics, including acting, directing, playwriting, design, and technical production. Students have the opportunity to work on mainstage productions, student-directed plays, and experimental performances, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of theater-making. The department’s faculty includes renowned artists and scholars who mentor students in developing their craft and understanding the cultural significance of theater. The Warner Bentley Theater and the Moore Theater, both located in the Hopkins Center, provide professional-grade venues for performances, ensuring that students are well-prepared for careers in the performing arts.

Film and Media Studies: Exploring the Power of Moving Images

The Film and Media Studies program at Dartmouth College examines the history, theory, and practice of film, television, and digital media. Students analyze the aesthetic, cultural, and political dimensions of media while also gaining practical skills in filmmaking, screenwriting, and media production. The program’s interdisciplinary approach encourages students to explore connections between media and other fields, such as literature, history, and technology. Dartmouth’s state-of-the-art production facilities, including editing suites and soundstages, enable students to create high-quality films and media projects. The department also hosts screenings, festivals, and guest lectures, providing students with opportunities to engage with industry professionals and showcase their work.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Bridging the Arts and Beyond

Dartmouth College encourages students to pursue interdisciplinary studies, allowing them to integrate the arts with other academic interests. Programs such as the Digital Arts, Leadership, and Innovation (DALI) Lab and the Leslie Center for the Humanities provide platforms for collaborative projects that combine art, technology, and entrepreneurship. Students can also participate in off-campus programs, such as the Foreign Study Program in Theater and the Art History Rome Program, which offer immersive experiences in global arts and culture.

Community Engagement and Public Art

Dartmouth’s commitment to the arts extends beyond the classroom, with numerous initiatives that engage the campus and local community. Public art installations, such as the iconic “Mosaic” mural and the rotating exhibitions at the Hood Museum, create a visually stimulating environment that inspires creativity and dialogue. The college also partners with local schools and organizations to promote arts education and accessibility, ensuring that the transformative power of the arts reaches a wide audience.

A Legacy of Artistic Excellence

The Arts at Dartmouth College represent a cornerstone of the institution’s mission to educate the whole person and foster a lifelong appreciation for creativity and culture. Through its diverse programs, world-class facilities, and vibrant community, Dartmouth provides students with the tools and opportunities to become innovative artists, scholars, and leaders. Whether through the study of art history, the creation of original works, or the performance of music and theater, Dartmouth students are empowered to make meaningful contributions to the world of art and beyond. For those seeking a transformative arts education within the context of a liberal arts college, Dartmouth College offers an unparalleled experience.

Academic Programs Offered at The Arts at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College offers a wide range of academic programs in the arts, spanning multiple disciplines and providing students with opportunities to explore their creative passions while engaging in rigorous intellectual inquiry. Below is a comprehensive list of programs, categorized by discipline, with detailed descriptions and durations.

Art History

Art History Major (AB)

• Description: The Art History major explores the historical, cultural, and social contexts of visual art, from ancient civilizations to contemporary global movements. Students develop skills in visual analysis, critical thinking, and research, often engaging directly with the collections at the Hood Museum of Art.
• Duration: 4 years (standard undergraduate program).

Art History Minor

• Description: A complement to any major, the Art History minor allows students to study key periods, movements, and themes in art history while developing analytical and interpretive skills.
• Duration: Can be completed alongside a major in 4 years.

Art History Modified Major

• Description: Students can combine Art History with another discipline (e.g., History, Anthropology, or Studio Art) to create a modified major tailored to their interests.
• Duration: 4 years.

Studio Art

Studio Art Major (AB)

• Description: The Studio Art major emphasizes hands-on artistic practice, offering courses in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and digital media. Students develop technical skills and conceptual frameworks while creating a portfolio of original work.
• Duration: 4 years.

Studio Art Minor

• Description: The Studio Art minor provides students with foundational skills in visual art and the opportunity to explore various media and techniques.
• Duration: Can be completed alongside a major in 4 years.

Studio Art Modified Major

• Description: Students can combine Studio Art with another discipline (e.g., Film and Media Studies, Computer Science, or Environmental Studies) to create an interdisciplinary major.
• Duration: 4 years.

Music

Music Major (AB)

• Description: The Music major offers a comprehensive curriculum in performance, composition, music theory, and ethnomusicology. Students participate in ensembles, private lessons, and masterclasses, gaining both practical and theoretical knowledge.
• Duration: 4 years.

Music Minor

• Description: The Music minor allows students to explore their musical interests through coursework, ensemble participation, and performance opportunities.
• Duration: Can be completed alongside a major in 4 years.

Music Modified Major

• Description: Students can combine Music with another discipline (e.g., Theater, Computer Science, or Anthropology) to create a modified major.
• Duration: 4 years.

Theater

Theater Major (AB)

• Description: The Theater major covers acting, directing, playwriting, design, and technical production. Students engage in mainstage productions, student-directed plays, and experimental performances, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of theater-making.
• Duration: 4 years.

Theater Minor

• Description: The Theater minor provides students with foundational knowledge and practical experience in theater, including performance, design, and production.
• Duration: Can be completed alongside a major in 4 years.

Theater Modified Major

• Description: Students can combine Theater with another discipline (e.g., Film and Media Studies, English, or Psychology) to create an interdisciplinary major.
• Duration: 4 years.

Film and Media Studies

Film and Media Studies Major (AB)

• Description: The Film and Media Studies major examines the history, theory, and practice of film, television, and digital media. Students analyze media aesthetics and cultural impact while gaining practical skills in filmmaking, screenwriting, and media production.
• Duration: 4 years.

Film and Media Studies Minor

• Description: The Film and Media Studies minor allows students to explore media theory and practice through coursework and creative projects.
• Duration: Can be completed alongside a major in 4 years.

Film and Media Studies Modified Major

• Description: Students can combine Film and Media Studies with another discipline (e.g., Studio Art, Computer Science, or Sociology) to create an interdisciplinary major.
• Duration: 4 years.

Interdisciplinary and Special Programs

Digital Arts, Leadership, and Innovation (DALI) Lab

• Description: An interdisciplinary program that combines art, technology, and entrepreneurship. Students work on collaborative projects, developing digital tools, apps, and creative solutions to real-world problems.
• Duration: Open to students throughout their undergraduate years.

Leslie Center for the Humanities

• Description: Supports interdisciplinary research and creative projects that bridge the arts and humanities. Students can apply for grants and fellowships to support their work.
• Duration: Open to students throughout their undergraduate years.

Foreign Study Programs (FSP)

• Description: Dartmouth offers immersive study-abroad programs in the arts, such as the Art History Rome Program and the Theater FSP in London. These programs provide students with global perspectives on art and culture.
• Duration: Typically one term (10 weeks).

Senior Fellowships

• Description: Advanced students can apply for Senior Fellowships to pursue independent research or creative projects in their final year. Projects often culminate in a thesis, exhibition, or performance.
• Duration: One academic year.

Certificate Programs

Arts Administration Certificate

• Description: Prepares students for careers in arts management, offering coursework in nonprofit administration, marketing, fundraising, and cultural policy.
• Duration: Can be completed alongside a major in 4 years.

Museum Studies Certificate

• Description: Focuses on the theory and practice of museum work, including curation, conservation, and public engagement. Students gain hands-on experience through internships and collaborations with the Hood Museum of Art.
• Duration: Can be completed alongside a major in 4 years.

Graduate and Postgraduate Opportunities

Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) with a Concentration in the Arts

• Description: A graduate program for students interested in advanced study in the arts. The program combines coursework, independent research, and creative projects.
• Duration: 2 years.

Artist-in-Residence Programs

• Description: Dartmouth hosts visiting artists who work with students on creative projects, offering mentorship and professional insights.
• Duration: Varies (typically one term to one year).

Why Study Arts at Dartmouth?

Dartmouth College’s academic programs in the arts are designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary exploration. Whether students are pursuing a major, minor, or certificate, they have access to world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant arts community. These programs prepare students for careers in the arts and beyond, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to the cultural landscape.

Contact Information for The Arts at Dartmouth College

Mailing Address:
The Arts at Dartmouth College
Hopkins Center for the Arts
4 East Wheelock Street
Hanover, NH 03755
USA

Phone:
Main Office: +1 (603) 646-2422
Hood Museum of Art: +1 (603) 646-2808
Hopkins Center for the Arts: +1 (603) 646-2422

Email:
General Inquiries: arts.at.dartmouth@dartmouth.edu
Hood Museum of Art: hood.museum@dartmouth.edu
Hopkins Center for the Arts: hopkins.center@dartmouth.edu

Website URLs:
Main Arts at Dartmouth Page: www.dartmouth.edu/arts
Hood Museum of Art: hoodmuseum.dartmouth.edu
Hopkins Center for the Arts: hop.dartmouth.edu
Studio Art Program: www.dartmouth.edu/studio-art
Music Department: www.dartmouth.edu/music
Theater Department: www.dartmouth.edu/theater
Film and Media Studies: www.dartmouth.edu/film

Social Media:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dartmoutharts
Facebook: https://facebook.com/DartmouthArts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DartmouthArts