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.
Beyond the Classroom
Converse Now
The Spartanburg Master Chorale Announces New Name
The Spartanburg Festival Chorus, Spartanburg’s choral union of community singers and Converse students, has a new name: The Spartanburg Master Chorale. The new name more accurately reflects the purpose of …
Converse Now
The Arts at a Glance 2022 Spring Season at Converse
Converse University will host a wide variety of arts, musical, and cultural events in the spring of 2022. After a challenging time of delaying and canceling live performances due to …
Converse Students
Art Ed Major Partners with Spartanburg Science Center to Raise Ocean Awareness
Charlotte “Lottie” Hutson ’23 was hired by the John F. Green Spartanburg Science Center to build a sculpture raising awareness for sea life and the dangers from waste being thrown …
Converse Students
Congratulations to the 2021 Virtual Juried Art Winners
The following Converse students have received honors for their submissions to the 2021 Virtual Juried Art contest. The juror, Bailie Bailey, a well-known local artist, art educator, and studio owner, selected …
Converse Students
Freshman Has Work Accepted In Juried Show at Grey Cube Gallery
Amelia Myers ’24 had her winter photographic work accepted into the second annual “Nature Art Show” at the Grey Cube Gallery. Myers was enrolled in ART 241: Alternative Photography at …