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AU Arts

A home for the visual and performing arts at American University.

AU Arts

The arts have a prominent role at American University. Rotating exhibitions at the AU Museum in the state-of-the-art Katzen Arts Center emphasize regional, national, and international contemporary art. The Department of Performing Arts, comprised of Arts Management, Audio Technology, Dance, Music, and Theatre/Musical Theatre, provides dynamic, connected, expressive, and fulfilling experiences for all of our majors, minors, and participating students. The Department of Art encompasses Studio Art, Art History, Photography, and Graphic Design.

To stay up-to-date on performances, exhibitions, and events, join the AU Arts mailing list and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Questions? Call 202-885-ARTS or email us.
 

AU Arts Events

Joseph Holston, Grand Finale, 2013. Oil on canvas, 42 x 50 in. Courtesy of the artist.

Fall 2024 Exhibitions On view through December 8

Learn more about upcoming exhibitions and see the museum event calendar.

  • Ralph Steadman: And Another Thing
  • Joseph Holston: Call and Response
  • Endless Transformations: The Alchemy of Connie Imboden
  • Faces of the Republican Party
  • New American Landscapes
  • A Sight to Behold: The Corcoran Legacy Collection of Nineteenth and Early Twentieth-Century American Landscape Paintings at the American University Museum
  • Mira Hecht: in the center thereof rose a fountain
  • PEGAN BROOKE: FLUX II, Light on Water

Transformer Transcendence 2024 Annual Benefit Auction Gala Transcendence Transformer 20th Annual Auction Exhibition and Benefit Gala

Auction Exhibition: November 9-22, 2024 | Gallery Hours: Weds - Sat, 12 - 5 p.m.
Gala Night: Saturday, November 23, 2024 | 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Transcendence, Transformer’s 20th Annual Auction Exhibition and Benefit Gala is a celebration of innovative contemporary art and artists that rise above the fray, with 150+ artworks in a variety of mediums by a dynamic mix of emerging and more established artists, as well as unique experiences, all up for bidding and buying! All proceeds from Transcendence support Transformer and the participating artists.

Learn more: Transcendence 

Tickets to Department of Performing Arts events are free for AU students with ID, $10 for alumni, staff, faculty, children (under 18), and senior citizens (55 and older), $15 general public.

Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea. By Julia Izumi Directed by Nick MartinSometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea
November 19-22 | Katzen Arts Center, Studio Theatre

By Julia Izumi
Directed by Nick Martin

The Little Mermaid is Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved and well-known fairytale, which is why it’s not the story our friend Dolan is going to tell you. No, he’s going to tell you the story of a Little Rain Cloud who falls in love with a human. They are not the same story at all—he swears.

Sometimes the Rain Tickets 

Advisory: This performance contains strobe lighting that may not be suitable for patrons with epilepsy or other light photosensitivity conditions.

“Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

AU Holiday Music ConcertAU Music Program Holiday Concert

Friday, December 6, 7:30 p.m. | Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall
Free and open to AU students, faculty, and staff, no RSVP required

The AU Music Program Ensembles present both sacred and secular holiday hits. Featuring the AU Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Jazz Combo, and singers. 

AU Chamber Music ConcertAU Chamber Music Concert

Saturday, December 7, 3 p.m. Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall
Free and open to all, no RSVP required

End the year on a high note with AU's Chamber Music Ensembles, featuring a mix of performances including strings, winds, piano, percussion, and voice.  

In the AU Arts Community

Senior class of dance students poses together

Arts ·

AU’s Senior Dance Capstone: A Celebration of Artistry and Transformation

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Students perform Urinetown: the Musical, waving protest signs and singing on dark stage in industrial work clothes.

Arts ·

AU Launches New “Social Action, Justice, and the Performing Arts” Certificate

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To the Point. Degas' Little Dancer Aged Fourteen surrounded by paint splatters.

Arts ·

To the Point: Why Are Climate Activists Attacking Art? 

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