Carl Bridge, graduate student studying Scenic Design/Theater Technology at UMass Amherst

The Arts

Bringing the Stage to Life

Carl Bridge, a first-year graduate student studying Scenic Design/Theater Technology, works on a set design.

All the World’s a Stage

From high-caliber theater, music, and dance performances to museum exhibitions and a robust visiting artists program, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is renowned for its commitment to the arts—both student-focused and professional.

The UMass Fine Arts Center, lit up at night

Explore the vibrancy of the arts at UMass Amherst in one central yet broadly diverse home. With a collection of art galleries, multiple performing arts venues and yearly performances, the Fine Arts Center is a revolutionary celebration of the arts at UMass Amherst.  

Exhibit at the University Musuem of Contemporary Art

The University Museum of Contemporary Art (UMCA)—the teaching museum of the University of Massachusetts Amherst—is a multidisciplinary laboratory for the exploration of contemporary art where emerging artists and diverse audiences are empowered to pursue new artistic possibilities through exhibitions, a permanent collection, educational programming, and a visiting artists program.

Exhibit at the Augusta Savage Gallery at UMass Amherst

Art Across Campus

Explore art through the ages, from traditional to contemporary, student exhibits to storied artists, within the Augusta Savage Gallery where art explores issues of race, class, and power; the Hampden Gallery for new and emerging artists; the Herter Art Gallery where science meets art; and the completely student-run Student Union Art Gallery where students explore new, unconventional ideas in an inclusive space.

Arts Extension Service cover image, colorful wall with blue sky

The Arts Extension Service helps to connect the community and the arts through its online certificates in arts management, online arts administration bachelor's degree, publications, research services, and training programs for state, regional, and local arts agencies.

A UMass student works on a ceramics project

Find space to embrace the diversity of visual art through whatever medium calls to you. With our nationally and internationally recognized faculty, access to a museum and four galleries on campus, and the resources of the Five Colleges, students experience firsthand the complexities of the work of creating art. Exhibitions, screenings, and visiting artist lectures hosted by the department are free and open to the public.

UMass student dance production

Through the department of Dance, students learn the disciplines of modern dance, ballet, jazz, and other world dance forms while developing their strength, coordination, memory, timing and endurance. With opportunities to perform on the stage at UMass Amherst or through the Five College Consortium, students give expression to their passion and grow their abilities to a professional level.

Outdoor music class at UMass Amherst

Jazz, classical, production, and performance, the Department of Music's programs span the breadth of modern and traditional music, granting students an educational experience that empowers a future career in the industry. With over 100 annual on-campus jazz, classical, early and contemporary music concerts by faculty, guest artists, and large and small advanced student ensembles open to the public each year, the Department of Music enriches the lives of our students and our community.

Student in UMass theater

Put on a one-act that pushes boundaries of expression or perfect your Shakespeare under the open sky. From acting to set design, production to performance, the Department of Theater at UMass Amherst trains students in the discipline, teamwork, and creative expression necessary for a fulfilling career in this dynamic art. 

Film Studies

Channel your love of film into a broad, interdisciplinary, global study of the discipline. Learn about film theory, criticism, the history of cinema, world cinema, screenwriting, filmmaking, podcasting, and much more. You’ll have access to film equipment, multiple film festivals, and internships, with opportunities to engage with leaders in the world of cinema.