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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Clarksville artist who worked on 'Frozen II,' 'Deadpool,' 'Game of Thrones' to speak at Austin Peay

Heather Abels, who works in major film, TV and animation studios such as Walt Disney Animation Studios, will deliver a free lecture at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26. The lecture is open to the public.

Austin Peay presents basketball-focused 'Spectacle' exhibit in time for March Madness

Spectacle explores the ideas akin to power, voyeurism, architecture and economic struggle. Ideas of being a spectator and being spectated. The exhibition is a mix of mediums and voices that have the common thread of the sport of basketball.

Austin Peay offers free Art + Design Day for aspiring art students

The Department of Art + Design at Austin Peay State University will host its annual College Art + Design Day for high school students at 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, in the Art + Design Building.