Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts

CECA brings both emerging and prominent artists from around the nation to Clarksville each year to present concerts and lectures, work directly with students in master classes and workshops, and introduce innovative ways of making or exploring art. All events offered by CECA are open to the community unless otherwise advertised.

DUE TO COVID-19, ALL CECA EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

CECA offers over 100 events per year featuring more than 75 guest artists

Since 1985, the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA, or "seek-ah") has been providing students, the Clarksville community, and the middle Tennessee region with engaging experiences through the Art + Design, Music, Theatre & Dance, and Creative Writing programs at APSU.

Students work with professor in art classroom

CECA offers experiences in the creative arts year round

From inspiring visiting artist lectures to impressive performances, CECA has something for everyone. All events offered by CECA are free and open to the community unless otherwise advertised.

Events Calendar

Creative Arts Departments at Austin Peay

CECA provides students with access to professional-level artists and arts experiences as well as internships that prepare them for the workplace or graduate school. In addition, CECA provides the talented faculty of the arts departments at APSU with research opportunities to enhance their professional growth.

Department of Art and Design

APSU's art & design program offers studies in drawing, digital media, graphic design, illustration, painting, photography, ceramics, printmaking, sculpture, and art education.

Creative Writing minor

As one of the university's largest departments, Languages and Literature offers students small classes and a diverse, experienced faculty including many award-winning teachers.

Student plays with ensemble in Mabry concert hall

Department of Music

The Austin Peay State University Department of Music is an active and highly-visible component of the Clarksville Community. Composed of approximately 180 music majors and 32 full-time and adjunct faculty, the Department of Music is the largest producer of cultural events in the Clarksville area.

Department of Theatre and Dance

Theatre and Dance at Austin Peay offers a world-renowned department, in a state-of-the-art facility, fostering artists, scholars and professionals who positively impact our world.

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Austin Peay's Art + Design to celebrate student work with virtual exhibition

The Department of Art + Design celebrates the end of the 2019-20 academic year with the 52nd Annual Juried Student Exhibition. The professionally juried exhibition opens virtually on April 6 and runs through April 30. All are invited to attend.

Meet Javon Dixon: APSU student, shoe customizer focuses 'on my craft' during coronavirus crisis

Meet Javon Dixon. Student, programmer and shoe customizer. Dixon is a computer science major and graphic design minor. He said that his minor helps influence his imagination, and he's learning how to guide a business through a crisis.

LGBTQ-inclusive novelist Bill Konigsberg to speak at Austin Peay

Award-winning young adult author Bill Konigsberg will visit Austin Peay State University in April to read from his work and to work with students. "A Young Adult Reading with Bill Konigsberg" is scheduled for 8 p.m. April 9 at the Morgan University Center in Rooms 303 and 305. Konigsberg will read from his work and take questions.