School of Creative Arts Mission Statement
The Brandeis University School of Creative Arts is a community of artists and scholars committed to the study of art as an awakening of the mind, body and spirit.
Comprised of the Departments of fine arts, music and theater arts, the school holds the belief that art is the great legacy of human accomplishment, essential to interdisciplinary learning.
By uniting creative expression with academic inquiry, we educate our students to become accomplished artists and engaged citizens prepared to contribute to a multicultural society.
Inspiring Artistic Innovation through Creative Expression
Brandeis University is a creative home for talented artists, actors, designers, composers, musicians and directors — a home to innovation and creativity.
Brandeis arts students want it all. Since the university’s founding in 1948, visual and performing arts have been an essential part of the general university curriculum and the student experience. The Brandeis School of Creative Arts offers a distinguished array of arts degrees and programs while allowing the student flexibility to explore interest areas outside of the creative arts.
Many students of the arts at Brandeis choose to pursue double majors, combining the arts with other subjects, such as premed, biology, economics or international and global studies. Informed with values of global scholarship and social justice, the arts offer our students — and our extended community — an awakening of their minds, bodies and spirits.
Justice Louis Brandeis wrote, “The function of the university in respect to the arts should not be limited to promoting understanding and appreciation. It should strive to awaken the creative instinct, to encourage its exercise and development, and to stimulate action.”
At Brandeis, we believe intellectual achievement and creativity are inseparable. Some universities focus on the scholarship of art while others have a talent-based conservatory approach. At Brandeis, we unite the two philosophies. We believe it is essential to cultivate the mind and the creative skills of young artists.
Dealing with the creative process and imagination, the study of arts develops the deep and broad communication and collaboration skills essential for students entering a range of fields, including business and science. What’s more, by nurturing artistic expression of the individual’s deepest images, feelings and thoughts, it provides valuable tools for personal enrichment.
While engaging in diverse and specialized activities, our students develop a personal creative identity and idealistic global perspective. At the same time, they establish a long-term work ethic built upon a commitment to excellence.
Unlike conservatories, we create an environment for artists and students to interact across disciplines, to explore interdisciplinary studies, and to develop new forms of expression and practice. You don’t have to be an arts major to be actively involved. At Brandeis, the arts are accessible to everyone. There is a special emphasis on art that is contemporary and innovative.