Arts & Culture

Spiders engage at art nonprofits, galleries, and museums across our region. If you'd like to engage with one of these organizations, please complete the interest form.

Community Relationships

1708 Gallery

1708 Gallery is a dynamic contemporary art space in Richmond, known for its innovative exhibitions and programs that foster dialogue and engagement with modern art forms. 
1708 Gallery Student Interest Form

ART 180

ART 180 is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing art-related programs and experiences for young people in Richmond, empowering them to express themselves creatively and advocate for positive social change.
ART 180 Student Interest Form 

Art for the Journey

Art for the Journey is a community-focused organization that utilizes art as a means of therapeutic expression, offering workshops and sessions to individuals facing physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges.
Art for the Journey Student Interest Form

Richmond Symphony

The Richmond Symphony is a renowned orchestra that contributes to the city's cultural vibrancy through its captivating classical and contemporary performances, showcasing the talents of local and international musicians.
Richmond Symphony Student Interest Form

Science Museum of Virginia

The Science Museum of Virginia (SMV) engages visitors of all ages in hands-on, interactive exhibits and programs, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
SMV Student Interest Form

The Valentine

The Valentine is a museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting Richmond's history, showcasing its diverse stories and artifacts that have shaped the city's development over time.
The Valentine Student Interest Form

Virginia Holocaust Museum

The Virginia Holocaust Museum preserves and documents the Holocaust in exhibits and its archival collections. Through the permanent exhibit, educational programming, and outreach, the museum employs the history of the Holocaust and other genocides to educate and inspire future generations of Virginians to fight prejudice and indifference.

Virginia Holocaust Museum Interest Form

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts 

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is a premier art institution featuring an extensive collection of world-class art spanning various cultures and periods, and hosting exhibitions that inspire a broad range of artistic interests.
VMFA Interest Form

Virginia Museum of History & Culture

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) is dedicated to preserving and sharing the state's rich history through exhibitions, artifacts, and educational programs, offering insights into Virginia's cultural and social evolution.
VMHC Interest Form

Campus Connections

Art Club
Art Club is a community of art appreciation (so don't worry if you're not that good at art!). The club goes downtown for RVA First Fridays gallery walks each month and attends local exhibitions per request. In addition, the group hosts 2-3 workshops per semester to share skills and techniques for those interested, paints a mural for UR’s homecoming, and and hosts a silent art auction for local charity.

UR Players
The University Players is a student theater group on campus that produces student-designed, directed and performed productions; works with the department of theater and dance to educate its members; sponsors student theater around campus; enriches student life with opportunities to participate in and view the arts; provides leadership opportunities; cultivates professional skills; participates in community service; and offers opportunities for artistic students to bond and socialize.

Relevant Courses

MUS/THTR 310 Managing Performing Arts Organizations
For those interested in managing and leading a performing arts organization, this course is a review of topics essential for successful management of a performing arts organization. Includes nonprofit and alternative organizational structure, organizational development and structure-- (management, board of directors, and staffing) , leadership and management styles, budget development and fiscal management, strategic planning, marketing and audience development, legals issues, and other related topics. 

ART/MUS/THTR 345 Philanthropy in the Arts
Survey of strategies, tools and techniques involved in generating contributed income for arts organizations from private individuals, foundations, corporations, business, and government agencies. Central issues include underlying psychological and practical bases of fundraising in the arts and exposure to research and methods involved in developing donor prospects. Fundraising techniques, including direct mail, telemarketing, grant writing, personal appeals, major gift solicitation, special events, capital campaigns, endowment campaigns, sponsorships, and planned giving.

ART 322 Seminar in Museum Studies
History, philosophy, functions and future of museums; collection research, evaluation, publications, and museum procedures and education.