For over half a century, the Northern Illinois University College of Visual and Performing Arts has been a beacon of artistic excellence, nurturing the creative spirits of students and enriching the cultural landscape of DeKalb County and beyond. As Dean Paul Kassel eloquently states, the college's mission is to keep widening the doors, ensuring that the transformative power of the arts reaches an ever-expanding audience.

Empowering Artistic Voices: A Tapestry of Talent and Opportunity

Cultivating a Legacy of Excellence

The NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts is a multifaceted institution, comprising three distinct schools: the School of Art and Design, the School of Music, and the School of Theatre and Dance. Each of these schools has fostered a rich tapestry of alumni, who have gone on to make significant contributions to their respective fields. From acclaimed artists whose works grace the walls of prestigious museums to renowned performers gracing the stages of the world, the college's graduates have left an indelible mark on the arts landscape.

Nurturing the Next Generation of Educators

Beyond the realm of artistic expression, the college also serves as a vital pipeline for art educators, with a significant number of its alumni currently teaching in elementary, junior high, and high schools across Illinois. This commitment to cultivating the next generation of art educators ensures that the appreciation and understanding of the arts continue to flourish in communities throughout the state.

Fostering Collaborative Creativity

In recent years, the college has made a concerted effort to deepen the collaboration between its three schools, as well as with the university as a whole. This cross-pollination of ideas and disciplines has allowed the artists within the college to inspire one another, leading to the creation of innovative and boundary-pushing works that captivate audiences.

Expanding Access and Opportunity

Recognizing the transformative power of the arts, the college has dedicated significant resources to increasing access and opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds. Through scholarship programs and partnerships with initiatives like the Rockford Promise, the college is actively seeking to discover and nurture talents that might otherwise remain hidden or untapped.

Reviving the Joy of Live Performance

The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge for the performing arts, as live events were forced to adapt or suspend operations. However, the college has risen to the occasion, working tirelessly to remind the community of the unparalleled experience of live performance. From concerts and recitals to stage productions, the college is committed to rekindling the public's passion for the arts.

Enriching the Community through the Arts

The college's commitment to the community extends beyond the confines of the university campus. Through its Community School of the Arts, the college offers private lessons and instruction in a wide range of artistic disciplines, making the transformative power of the arts accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. Additionally, the college's schools present an abundance of concerts, art installations, exhibits, recitals, and stage productions, inviting the public to engage with the arts at an affordable cost.

Embracing the Future with Boundless Creativity

As the college looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its mission to keep widening the doors, ensuring that the arts continue to thrive and inspire. With a focus on diversifying its ranks, fostering collaborative creativity, and reviving the joy of live performance, the NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts is poised to make an even greater impact on the lives of its students, the community, and the world beyond.