The Arts at Converse
Whether you are an aspiring artist or a local art lover, our School of the Arts is your ticket to exciting visual and performing arts opportunities!
Departments & Programs
A pillar of Spartanburg’s vibrant arts scene, Converse presents hundreds of public concerts, performances and exhibitions annually; collaborates with local arts organizations; and prepares students for thriving arts careers through our Creativity That Works curriculum. Our Lawson Academy of the Arts also offers classes and private lessons to community youth and adults in music and dance.
Incoming Art, Dance, Music, Musical Theatre and Theatre students are invited to apply for talent-based scholarships.
Creativity That Works
Creativity That Works is our initiative to prepare passionate young artists like you for productive careers in the arts. You’ll hone your craft as well as gain skills in marketing for the arts, portfolio development and career management. Blending your craft with these inter-disciplinary skills will give you an edge when you go to seek jobs and opportunities in the art world. All School of the Arts students will gain professional experience through their choice of internship, faculty-mentored research projects in arts fields, or other opportunities.
Experiential Learning
The School of the Arts boasts a broad experiential learning experience, composed of internships, clinical experiences, student teaching and study travel. 92% of Converse School of the Arts students participated in experiential learning over the past two years.
Our Mission
The School of the Arts at Converse University inspires, teaches, and trains artists; fosters communication, creativity and scholarship; and nurtures an appreciation of the visual and performing arts.
Our Values
The School of the Arts at Converse University values and believes in the arts as a path to inspiration, imagination, discovery, expression and transformation.
Department News
Converse Now
Converse Celebrates 2023 Emerging Young Artists Winners
Converse’s Department of Art and Design held its annual Emerging Young Artists Juried Exhibition. Accepted submissions were on exhibition in Milliken Art Gallery from March 13 through March 25, 2023. …
Converse Now
The Power of Play: Dr. Julie Jones and Jed Dearybury ’03
On Saturday, March 11, 2023, the powerhouse team of Dr. Julie Jones (‘99) and Jed Dearybury ’03 held a daylong conference at the Citizens and Southern Event Center in Spartanburg. …
Converse Now
Professor Carey Awarded Chapman Cultural Grant
Instructor of Art Vivianne Carey was recently awarded a Chapman Cultural Center community grant. The Chapman Cultural Center is committed to expanding and supporting Spartanburg’s creative community. Carey plans to …
Announcements
Converse to Host 2023 Emerging Young Artists Exhibition
Converse University’s Department of Art and Design will host the 2023 Emerging Young Artists Exhibition March 13-25, 2023, in Milliken Art Gallery, an on-campus exhibition space with unique visual access …