Partnerships and Outreach

The Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA, or "seek-ah") cultivates artistic excellence through strategic partnerships with community organizations and Austin Peay State University departments in the Middle Tennessee region.

Community Partners

CECA has established ongoing partnerships with key community organizations:

• Customs House Museum and Cultural Center
• Clarksville Arts & Heritage Development Council (co-sponsors of the Student Art Gallery)
• Clarksville-Montgomery County School District
• Tennessee State Museum

Community Education and Outreach

CECA Artists in Schools Program

Our comprehensive K-12 education initiative in partnership with the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) includes:

• Professional Learning for educators through the Kennedy Center's Partners in Education program
• Teaching Artist Residencies in local schools
• CECA Arts Experiences Grants providing free arts field trips for over 10,800 students since 2018

Learn more about the CECA Artists in Schools Program

APSU Academic Partnerships

CECA collaborates with APSU departments to enhance student experiences and engage the broader community through the arts:

Art + Design

• Visiting Artist Speaker Series featuring regional, national, and international artists
• Professional exhibitions in The New Gallery and support for campus gallery spaces
• CECA Tennessee Artist Fellowship ($5,000 award to exceptional Tennessee artists)

Creative Writing

• Publications: Zone 3 literary journal, Zone 3 Press, and The Red Mud Review
• Visiting Writers Series bringing renowned authors to campus
• Tennessee Young Writers' Workshop and Emerging Creative Writers Contest
• Annual Zone 3 Writers Festival

Music

• Support for over 100 concerts annually featuring students, faculty, and guest artists
• Sponsorship of the Clarksville Community Concert Association performances
• Funding for musical festivals, workshops, and educational events, including GuitarFest, Choir Festival, and the Mid-South Jazz Festival

Theatre and Dance

• Artists-in-Residence programs bringing professional artists to campus
• Visiting Artists offering interactive lectures and workshops
• Student Production Enhancements provides professional support for APSU performances

Connect With Us

If your arts or cultural organization is interested in collaborating with CECA, contact:

Dr. Andrea Spofford
Director, Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts
(931) 221-7876
spofforda@apsu.edu