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Theatre and Dance students perform at Spring recital

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.

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. CECA brings as many as 85 guest artists to Clarksville each year and presents up to 100 public arts & culture events annually, including concerts, exhibitions, artist lectures, master classes, artist residencies, and more. In addition, CECA provides the arts faculty at APSU with research opportunities to enhance their professional growth as well as numerous student scholarships each year to support APSU's own emerging artists. 

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

Creative Arts Areas at Austin Peay

Student sits over cutting mat
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.

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Student reads book on Harned balcony
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.

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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.

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Theatre and Dance
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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march-2024-jonathan-adams
CECA'S TN Artist Fellow to speak at Frist Art Museum on March 21 

The Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts at Austin Peay State University's 2023-24 recipient of the Tennessee Artist Fellowship, Jonathan Adams, will give a free public speech on Thursday, March 21, at the Frist Art Museum in Nashville.

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guitarfest-cochran-mcallister
APSU hosts Guitar Fest: Distinguished guitarists to offer free concerts

The Department of Music at Austin Peay State University (APSU) is gearing up to welcome professional guitarists to campus for the annual Guitar Fest, featuring workshops and free concerts from March 18-19.

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march-2024-apsu-art-walk
APSU showcases contemporary, university art collections for Clarksville's First Thursday Art Walk on March 7 

Discover contemporary art at Austin Peay's First Thursday Art Walk in Clarksville on March 7. Engage with In Kyoung Chun's "Shared Room" and APSU's curated "UNCOVERED" exhibit, showcasing university art collections for a unique cultural experience.

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