The U of M's Unique Arts District
Creative people, great location, amazing art.
For art students at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, the West Bank Arts Quarter (WBAQ) feels like home. There are five academic departments that make up the Arts Quarter:
- Department of Art
- Department of Theatre Arts
- University of Minnesota Dance
- School of Music
- Interdisciplinary Program in Collaborative Arts
WBAQ is a creative community
The Arts Quarter brings together a diverse group of students, professors, and artists in a creative environment. "Lots of creative minds generate a great deal of creative energy, there's a real collaborative spirit here," explains Aaron Rosenberger, recruitment coordinator for the WBAQ. "Students from different programs bounce ideas off each other and feed from each others' knowledge and energy. They create work together and are inspired by each other's work. The WBAQ is a place where you can both see and participate in your peers' work."
Twin Cities' thriving arts scene makes it easy for you to connect with local professionals
The Twin Cities community has a world-renowned arts community, and University of Minnesota students can take advantage of internships and other hands-on experiences close to campus. Imagine participating in the BFA Actor Training Program, where you would go to the Guthrie Theater, a nationally renowned theater just blocks away from campus, to learn from the professionals. As a dance student, you would benefit from the Cowles Visiting Artists program where professional dancers come to the U of M. If you were in the School of Music you could perform with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra or the Minnesota Orchestra. As a Fine Arts student, you could connect with local professionals through the Visiting Artists Program.
Opportunities for non-art majors
The Arts Quarter is an exciting district of campus for students from all majors. Students studying non-arts disciplines are welcome to participate in many courses, music lessons, student groups, and ensembles.
You can also participate as an audience member in one of the hundreds of concerts, exhibitions, recitals, or performances that occur every year. Many of these are free, such as the Fine Arts' Katherine E. Nash Gallery and the School of Music's annual Collage Concert. The WBAQ gives students the opportunity to see both peers and professionals perform as artists. Aaron concludes, "look around campus and you see art everywhere, which, I think, makes it a more beautiful place."
