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Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts

Students on stage during the Spring Dance Rehearsal.
Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts

CECA hosts emerging and prominent artists from around the nation to present public concerts, lectures, and exhibitions, work directly with students in masterclasses and workshops, and introduce innovative ways of making and exploring art. An arts hub in Middle Tennessee, CECA is a vibrant and integral component to the Austin Peay campus and beyond.

Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts

CECA hosts emerging and prominent artists from around the nation to present public concerts, lectures, and exhibitions, work directly with students in masterclasses and workshops, and introduce innovative ways of making and exploring art. An arts hub in Middle Tennessee, CECA is a vibrant and integral component to the Austin Peay campus and beyond.

Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts

CECA hosts emerging and prominent artists from around the nation to present public concerts, lectures, and exhibitions, work directly with students in masterclasses and workshops, and introduce innovative ways of making and exploring art. An arts hub in Middle Tennessee, CECA is a vibrant and integral component to the Austin Peay campus and beyond.

CECA logo celebrating their 40th anniversary.

Enriching Middle Tennessee's Arts & Culture for 40 Years

Since 1985, the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA, pronounced "seek-ah") has been the cultural cornerstone of Austin Peay State University and Middle Tennessee. As a dynamic arts hub, we bring creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence to the Clarksville community and beyond.

85+
Visiting artist annually
100+
Yearly public arts & culture events
4
Major creative disciplines supported

What We Offer

Programs & Events

 

Academic Support

Students work with professor in art classroom
Connect with CECA

All CECA events are free and open to the community unless otherwise noted. Join us in celebrating the arts and fostering creative excellence in Middle Tennessee.

 

View Upcoming Events

Creative Arts Areas at Austin Peay

Student looking at the art displayed in a gallery.
Department of Art + Design

The Department offers comprehensive studies in:

  • Drawing and Painting
  • Digital Media
  • Graphic Design
  • Illustration
  • Photography
  • Ceramics
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
  • Art Education

Explore Art + Design Programs

Stack of books sitting on a table at a book signing event
Creative Writing

Housed in the Department of Languages & Literature, our writing program features:

  • Undergraduate and graduate courses
  • Small, intimate class sizes
  • Internship opportunities
  • Scholarship programs
  • Active creative community

Discover Creative Writing

Student sitting down with his trumbone
Department of Music

A cornerstone of Clarksville's cultural landscape, offering:

  • Performance opportunities
  • Professional training
  • Community engagement
  • Concert series
  • Ensemble experiences

Learn About Music Programs

Students on stage during Spring Dance rehersal
Department of Theatre & Dance

Features state-of-the-art facilities and programs focusing on:

  • Performance arts
  • Technical theatre
  • Dance studies
  • Professional development
  • Community outreach

Explore Theatre & Dance


Latest News

News Feed

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gina-femia
APSU partners with The Farm Theater for production of 'We're Okay, We're Okay, We're all Gonna be Okay'

The show will run from Nov. 13-16 in the Mike and Sara Gotcher Theatre, located in the Trahern Building at APSU. Playwright Gina Femia and Farm Theater Executive/Artistic Director Padraic Lillis will also host a free playwriting masterclass on Nov. 13.

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jenny-molberg
Berkshire Prize-winning poet Jenny Molberg to visit APSU Nov. 13

Zone 3 Press is hosting Molberg for a free public reading and book signing on November 13, 2025. She is the author of three poetry collections: Marvels of the Invisible; Refusal; and The Court of No Record.

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20240321-choir-fest-performance-28
APSU's Choir Fest to return for free performance Oct. 29

The Department of Music will present its free Choir Fest featuring performances from regional high schools and university ensembles on Oct. 29 in the Mabry Concert Hall.

Read More