Arts at Carolina: FAQs
As you start or continue your journey at Carolina, you might find yourself curious about the arts opportunities. Maybe you’re asking yourself already, how do I pursue a degree in the arts? How can I find a performance or an exhibit? How do I join an arts-focused student group?
There’s an arts experience around every corner at UNC and we’re here to help you find your creative outlet. Watch the video below or click on a question below for answers to frequently asked questions about the arts at Carolina!
- Are there art exhibits I can check out at UNC?
- How do I see a performance or a show on campus?
- How do I find or take an arts class at Carolina?
- Are there places on campus where I can create?
- How do I find and join an arts-related student group?
- I saw a piece of art on campus. How do I learn more about it?
Are there art exhibits I can check out at UNC?
Yes, there are several places on campus where you can view art – for free! Below are a few you can start with!
The Ackland Art Museum
- Home to over 19,000 works of art! Their collection spans all cultures and time periods
- Works of art on paper (drawings, prints, photographs), European masterworks, Asian art, twentieth-century and contemporary art, North Carolina pottery
- Special exhibitions
- See what’s on view at the Ackland
- Cost: The Ackland is free!
- Other student opportunities: Ackland student guides – this selective program presents an opportunity for Carolina undergraduates to learn about the Museum’s collection and to teach with original works of art.
Department of Art and Art History
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- Alumni Sculpture Garden – showcases temporary installations of sculpture by students and alumni on the University grounds.
- John and June Allcott Gallery – exhibits the work of professional artists, faculty work, and provides exhibition opportunities for students.
- John and June Allcott Undergraduate Gallery – dedicated to exhibitions planned and mounted by undergraduate studio art students.
- SAMple Gallery – student-run alternative art space dedicated to expanding UNC at Chapel Hill’s art scene. Presents multidisciplinary art and ideas and provide a space for emerging artists to exhibit their work
- Cost: Free!
FedEx Global Education Center
- The FedEx Global Education Center hosts art exhibitions that promote intellectual discussion and a better understanding and appreciation for other cultures and world regions. Each semester, UNC Global features the works of global artists in exhibitions that touch on a variety of themes and topics.
- Location: Artwork is displayed from the first to the third floor of the FedEx Global Education Center
- Cost: Free!
The Sonja Haynes Stone Center
- The Stone Center engages in the critical examination of African-American, diaspora and African arts, cultures, and histories.
- They’re home to the Robert and Sallie Brown Gallery and Museum exhibit space which showcases artwork and collections!
- Cost: Free!
Art Galleries at the Carolina Union
- The Carolina Union Activities Board oversees the two rotating Art Galleries in the Union: the main floor Art Gallery and the South Road Art Gallery.
- The Arts Committee Chair plans and organizes the monthly galleries. Students, organizations, and the community must request to have their art or group featured in a gallery through the HeelLife form to be considered.
- Cost: Free!
The Arts Everywhere calendar also tries to keep up with the exhibits you can find on campus!
How do I see a show or performance at UNC?
Below are a few suggestions to get you started! Check out organizations like Carolina Performing Arts or PlayMakers Repertory Company for a variety of performances and shows throughout the year. Specific departments like the Department of Music also have a lot of performances at little or no cost! If you want even more, UNC student arts groups also hold performances throughout the semester. Follow the student groups on social for the latest updates and event info!
Carolina Performing Arts
- The official performing arts presenter at UNC, Carolina Performing Arts has presented thought-provoking experiences for over 15 seasons! From Tierra Whack to Emmylou Harris to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and many more, there’s always an exceptional performance or event to see!
- CPA tickets: Student tickets are available for CPA performances for $10!
- CPA current season
- CPA Student employment opportunities: CPA is actively hiring UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduate, graduate and professional students for part-time positions on our ticketing, front of house and production teams.
- The premiere professional theatre company of North Carolina in residence at UNC, producing five to ten shows on two stages each year.
- PlayMakers tickets: Student tickets are available for PlayMakers’ shows for $10!
- PlayMakers’ current season
- PlayMakers student employment opportunities: include positions in the shop (technical, painting, scenery, props), the costume shop, the box office, and administration
- The Department of Music puts on over 200 concerts featuring student, faculty, and guest artists every year!
- Tickets: all concerts are either free or discounted $5-15 tickets!
- View the department of music’s event calendar.
The Arts Everywhere calendar also tries to compile a lot of the performances and shows in one location!
How do I find or take an arts class at UNC?
Interested in pursuing a degree in the arts? Taking arts classes? UNC has a number of arts focused departments in the College of Arts & Sciences that you can explore. Check out the comprehensive list at scan.unc.edu/scan/arts-at-unc or scroll through for more details below!
Art & Art History
- Art & art history degrees, programs and courses
- DYK: they offer classes to students in everything from drawing, sculpture, photography, and animation!
Communication
- Undergraduate communication degrees, programs and courses
- Graduate degrees, programs, and courses
- DYK: they have a writing for the screen and stage minor and a Hollywood internship program!
- Degrees, programs and courses
- DYK: this is the second oldest theatre department in the country and they’re home to the undergraduate run Kenan Theatre Company
English & Comparative Literature
- ECL degrees, programs and courses
- DYK: the ECL department has one of the top creative writing programs in the country!
Music
- Undergraduate music degrees, programs and courses
- Graduate degrees, programs and courses
- DYK: You don’t have to pursue a major or minor to participate in their ensembles (symphony orchestra, choirs, band, etc.) – just sign up for it as you would a class!
There are a lot of non-arts departments with arts related course offerings! For example, check out the Department of Exercise and Sport Science for dance classes and the Hussman School of Journalism and Media for more film courses.
Are there places on campus where I can create?
Morrison Art Studio
- What it is: A space with all the free art supplies you could need so you can unleash your inner artist!
- Location: first floor of Morrison Residence Hall (by the basketball court)
- Hours: The Studio reopens on August 15 and is open every day from 3-8 pm.
- Equipment: canvases, paints, brushes, colored pencils, markers, spaces for your art to dry and more!
- DYK: You can also check out supplies and request to host private events. For the latest MAS news, details on upcoming events and programs, and DIY art tips, join our Morrison Art Studio listserv or follow Arts Everywhere on social media.
Be-A-Maker (also known by the acronym “BeAM”)
- What it is: the College of Arts and Sciences’ collection of makerspaces
- Locations: Murray Hall, Hanes Art Center and Carmichael Residence Hall.
- Equipment: They have everything from 3D printing to embroidery machines to wood and metalworking shops
I just want to find people who like the same thing I do. How do I find and join an arts-related student group?
Check out the comprehensive list of arts student groups – organized by interest (creative writing, dance, film, music, and so much more!)
I saw a piece of art on campus. How do I learn more about it?
Check out our public art map for more details about the art pieces you see around campus. Notice something that isn’t there? Let us know and we can add it to the map!
