Academic Advising

What Should I do If I’m interested in the Arts?

The arts are integral to student life, culture, and tradition. Whether you identify as an artist, are an aspiring artist, or consider yourself an appreciative audience member, Stanford is a great place to explore opportunities in the arts. We are home to a large number of creative thinkers, writers and performers in areas as diverse as dance, theater, creative writing, design, visual arts, film and music. And the creative arts are an important part of any Stanford experience, whether or not you choose to include them as part of your major field of study.

There are many ways to engage in the arts at Stanford, as the arts cross boundaries and sub-communities within the University. How will you practice your creativity at Stanford?

Whether you are interested in the visual arts, dance, music, film, creative writing, and/or drama, you have many courses to choose among. One of the WAYS that all students will take is Creative Expression (WAY-CE).

Stanford Arts Website

Don't assume the arts stop at taking classes or performing with a group. The Stanford Arts website is an excellent place to start learning more about opportunities in the arts here on campus. You can find out about the academic departments, organizations and programs, and student groups that comprise the vibrant art community at Stanford, as well as learn how you can become a part of it yourself.

The Stanford Arts online guide is comprehensive, highlighting the myriad academic and residential arts programs and organizations on campus. The For Students section contains guidance on enhancing your arts experience, including information on funding creative projects and pursuing careers in the arts. And you'll want to look out for new opportunities as Stanford continues building the Arts District.

Chappell Lougee Scholarship

Rising sophomores interested in getting funding for an independent arts project may wish to apply for the Chappell Lougee Scholarship in the Autumn of their sophomore year.  The Chappell Lougee is a VPUE research grant meant to support 10 weeks of full-time project work during the summer after your sophomore year.  While students from any major can apply, your project must be a creative arts project, or a research project in the Humanities or the qualitative Social Sciences.  Read more about the Chappell Lougee here.

Additional Resources

For Grants, Fellowships, Internships and Jobs

For Job and Internship Listings

For Opportunities Away From Palo Alto

For Other Opportunities, Including Classes, Projects and Prizes

For Art-Making Spaces

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