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
Leadership & Service
Converse First-Gen Students Recognized by City of Spartanburg
The City of Spartanburg recognized first-generation college students from local colleges during the First-Generation College Student Celebration Day Proclamation at the City Council meeting on November 14, 2022. Since 2017, …
Faculty
Converse’s 2022-2023 Faculty Symposia Lineup
The Office of Research and Engagement at Converse University promotes collegewide engagement in research and scholarly creative work. The office supports and assists faculty, students, and staff from the conception …
Converse Students
Studio Art Students Exhibiting Throughout US this Fall
Converse Studio Art students have quickly transformed from aspiring artists to seeing their art exhibited in galleries throughout the United States. Thanks to Converse’s supportive learning environment and remarkable studio …
Announcements
2023 Converse Emerging Young Artists Juried Exhibition Accepting Entries
Converse’s Department of Art and Design is accepting entries for the 2023 Emerging Young Artists Juried Exhibition. High school students in grades 9-12 are invited to submit entries for the Converse …
Faculty
Dr. Elliott Featured on U of Georgia Website
Dr. Andrea Elliott, Instructor of Art Education at Converse, was recently spotlighted in a University of Georgia story. She received her PhD in Art Education from Lamar Dodd School of …