Enriching Middle Tennessee's Arts & Culture
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.
What We Offer
Programs & Events
-
Public concerts and performances
-
Art exhibitions and galleries
-
Guest artist lectures
-
Professional masterclasses
-
Innovative workshops
-
Artist residency programs
Academic Support
-
Student scholarships for emerging artists
-
Faculty research opportunities
-
Professional development resources
-
Hands-on learning experiences

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.
Creative Arts Areas at Austin Peay

The Department offers comprehensive studies in:
- Drawing and Painting
- Digital Media
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Photography
- Ceramics
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Art Education

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

A cornerstone of Clarksville's cultural landscape, offering:
- Performance opportunities
- Professional training
- Community engagement
- Concert series
- Ensemble experiences

Features state-of-the-art facilities and programs focusing on:
- Performance arts
- Technical theatre
- Dance studies
- Professional development
- Community outreach
Latest News
News Feed
View All News
Austin Peay State University's Department of Music, with support from the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, will present the Saxophone Day Concert at 3 p.m. on Sept. 27 in the George and Sharon Mabry Concert Hall, featuring Dr. Lucas Hopkins, the APSU Saxophone Studio, and high school participants from around the state.
Read More
Austin Peay State University's Zone 3 Press, with support from the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, will host award-winning author Destiny O. Birdsong for a free public reading and book signing at 7 p.m. on Sept. 24 in Art + Design Room 120.
Read More
Austin Peay State University’s Department of Art + Design, with support from the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, is hosting Professor Emeritus Susan Bryant for an exhibition on the Mann Wall of Legacy, located on the second floor of the Art + Design Building.
Read More

