How to Attend the Atlanta University Center Arts

The Atlanta University Center (AUC) is one of the most significant concentrations of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States. Comprising Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and the Interdenominational Theological Center, the AUC is not only a hub of academic excellence but also a vibrant cultural epicenter. The arts program at the AUC is a dynamic, interdisciplinary force that reflects the rich heritage, innovation, and social consciousness of its student body and faculty. Attending AUC arts eventswhether exhibitions, theater performances, music recitals, film screenings, or poetry slamsis more than a leisure activity; it is an immersive experience into the soul of Black creativity and intellectual expression.

For students, alumni, local residents, and visitors alike, engaging with the AUC arts scene offers unparalleled access to emerging artists, thought-provoking narratives, and community-driven storytelling. Yet, many individualsespecially those unfamiliar with the campus ecosystems or the logistics of navigating multiple institutionsfind the process of attending these events confusing or inaccessible. This guide demystifies the entire experience, providing a comprehensive roadmap to help you attend, enjoy, and fully appreciate the arts programming at the Atlanta University Center.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the AUC Institutions and Their Arts Offerings

Before planning your visit, familiarize yourself with the four core institutions that make up the AUC and the unique arts programming each offers:

• Morehouse College: Known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and emphasis on leadership, Morehouse hosts an active Department of Visual and Performing Arts. Expect theater productions, jazz ensembles, spoken word events, and rotating gallery exhibitions in the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel and the Benjamin Mays Gallery.
• Spelman College: As a leading institution for women of African descent, Spelmans arts programs are deeply rooted in social justice and feminist expression. The Spelman College Museum of Fine Art is a nationally recognized venue for contemporary art by women of the African diaspora. The college also hosts dance performances, film festivals, and literary readings.
• Clark Atlanta University: CAU offers a robust School of Arts and Sciences with concentrations in visual arts, music, theater, and communication. The CAU Art Gallery and the William and Carol Hester Theatre regularly feature student and guest artist exhibitions and performances.
• Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC): While primarily a theological seminary, ITC occasionally hosts interfaith arts events, sacred music concerts, and cultural dialogues that intersect with spirituality and the arts.

Each institution operates independently but collaborates frequently on cross-campus arts initiatives. Understanding these distinctions will help you tailor your attendance to your interests.

Step 2: Check Official Event Calendars

The most reliable way to discover upcoming arts events is by visiting the official websites of each AUC institution. Bookmark these key pages:

• Morehouse: morehouse.edu/academics/arts
• Spelman: spelman.edu/museum and spelman.edu/events
• Clark Atlanta: cau.edu/arts
• ITC: itc.edu/events

Each site maintains a public events calendar, often updated weekly. Look for filters such as Arts & Culture, Performing Arts, or Exhibitions. Many events are free and open to the public, but some require registration or have limited capacity. Set up calendar alerts or subscribe to email newsletters to receive real-time updates.

Step 3: Create a Visit Plan

Once youve identified events of interest, map out your schedule. The AUC campuses are located within a 1.5-mile radius in southwest Atlanta, making it feasible to attend multiple events in a single day. Use Google Maps to plot your route between campuses:

• Spelman College: 350 Spelman Lane SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Morehouse College: 830 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Clark Atlanta University: 223 James P. Brawley Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• ITC: 2508 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

Plan for travel time between locations (typically 515 minutes by car or shuttle). Consider walking between Spelman and Morehouse, as they are adjacent and connected by pedestrian pathways. If youre using public transit, the MARTA rails West End Station serves the area, with bus routes connecting the campuses.

Tip: Block out at least 90 minutes per event to account for parking, security checks, and mingling before and after. Some exhibitions require guided tourscheck if reservations are needed.

Step 4: Register or Reserve Tickets (If Required)

While most AUC arts events are free, some high-demand performances or exclusive gallery openings require RSVPs. Heres how to handle registration:

• Look for a Register or RSVP button on the event page. Click it and fill out the required fields (name, email, number of guests).
• Some events use Eventbrite or Google Forms for registration. Save the confirmation email or screenshot the QR code.
• For ticketed events (rare but occasionally occur for touring artists), purchase through the institutions box office website or in person at the venues front desk.

Always register earlycapacity limits are common, especially for student-led performances and opening receptions.

Step 5: Prepare for Your Visit

On the day of your visit, ensure youre prepared for a seamless experience:

• Bring ID: While public events are open to all, some venues may ask for photo identification for entry, especially if the event is co-hosted with a university department.
• Dress Appropriately: AUC arts events range from casual gallery openings to formal theater premieres. When in doubt, opt for smart casual attire. Many students and faculty dress with intentionalityviewing art as an act of cultural affirmation.
• Bring a Notebook or Journal: Many attendees use these events as inspiration for creative work. Jotting down impressions, quotes, or reactions enhances the experience.
• Charge Your Phone: You may want to photograph art (check signagesome pieces prohibit flash photography) or use apps to access audio guides.
• Bring Cash or a Card: While most events are free, campus bookstores and cafs often sell artist merchandise, exhibition catalogs, or limited-edition prints.

Step 6: Navigate Campus Security and Entry Points

All AUC campuses are secure, with controlled access points. Most events occur in designated cultural venues:

• Spelman: Museum of Fine Art (main building), Black Box Theatre, or the Chapel
• Morehouse: Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, Benjamin Mays Gallery, or the Student Center
• Clark Atlanta: CAU Art Gallery (Bennett Hall), Hester Theatre, or the Library Rotunda
• ITC: Chapel or the Cultural Center

Arrive 1520 minutes early. Security personnel will direct you to the event location. No bags larger than a standard backpack are typically allowed in galleries. Coats and large purses may need to be checked at the entrance.

Step 7: Engage with the Community

Attending an AUC arts event is not a passive activityits a communal experience. After the performance or exhibition:

• Stay for the Q&A or reception. Artists and curators often speak about their work.
• Ask thoughtful questions. Dont hesitate to say, What inspired this piece? or How does this connect to the Black aesthetic tradition?
• Connect with students, faculty, or other attendees. Many are eager to share their perspectives.
• Follow the artist or institution on social media. Tag them in your photos (if permitted) and share your experience.

Engagement deepens your understanding and helps sustain the arts ecosystem.

Step 8: Reflect and Document Your Experience

After attending an event, take time to reflect:

• Write a short review or journal entry. What moved you? What surprised you?
• Share your thoughts on social media using hashtags like

  AUCArts, #HBCUArts, #AtlantaArtsScene.

• Consider submitting your reflections to campus publications such as The Maroon Tiger (Morehouse), The Spelman Messenger, or The Clark Atlanta Journal.

Documentation not only preserves your personal connection to the arts but also contributes to broader cultural discourse.

Best Practices

Respect the Space and the Artists

The AUC arts community is built on dignity, legacy, and intention. Always observe the following:

• Turn off your phone or switch to silent mode during performances. Flash photography is prohibited in most galleries.
• Do not touch artwork, even if it appears accessible. Many pieces are fragile or irreplaceable.
• Wait until after the event to ask questions or take selfies with artists. Respect their focus and energy during the performance.
• Avoid loud conversations in exhibition halls or lobbies. These spaces are designed for contemplation.

Support the Artists Directly

Many student artists and guest exhibitors rely on sales, commissions, and feedback to sustain their practice. If youre moved by a piece:

• Ask if its for sale. Many works are priced affordably ($25$300) to make art accessible.
• Buy a catalog or limited-edition print. Proceeds often fund future student projects.
• Recommend the artist to friends, collectors, or local galleries.

Supporting artists financially and socially ensures the continuity of this vital cultural ecosystem.

Attend Regularly

One-time visits are valuable, but consistent attendance transforms your understanding. The AUC arts scene evolves rapidly. New voices emerge each semester. By attending multiple eventsacross disciplines and institutionsyou begin to see patterns, themes, and generational dialogues.

Consider creating a personal AUC Arts Passport. Track each event you attend: date, venue, artist, medium, and your reaction. Over time, this becomes a living archive of your cultural journey.

Collaborate Across Institutions

Dont limit yourself to one campus. The power of the AUC lies in its synergy. Attend a Spelman dance performance, then walk to Morehouse for a jazz concert, and finish at CAU for a film screening. Cross-campus eventssuch as the annual AUC Arts Festivalare designed to celebrate this interconnectedness.

Many institutions offer shuttle services between campuses during major events. Check the event page for transportation details.

Be Mindful of Academic Calendars

Arts programming often aligns with the academic calendar:

• SeptemberDecember: Fall semester features new exhibitions, student showcases, and guest artist residencies.
• FebruaryMarch: Black History Month brings themed exhibitions, poetry slams, and panel discussions.
• AprilMay: Senior thesis exhibitions and capstone performances are showcased.
• JuneAugust: Summer programs and internships may offer pop-up events.

Plan your visits around these cycles to catch the most impactful work.

Advocate for Accessibility

Most AUC venues are ADA-compliant, but if you encounter barrierswhether physical, sensory, or linguisticreport them. Contact the institutions arts office or student affairs department. Your feedback helps improve access for future attendees.

Ask about captioned performances, audio descriptions, or ASL interpreters. Many events now offer these services upon requestjust reach out in advance.

Tools and Resources

Official Websites and Calendars

• Spelman College Museum of Fine Art: spelman.edu/museum National leader in showcasing women of African descent in visual arts.
• Morehouse College Arts Calendar: morehouse.edu/academics/arts Features theater, music, and visual arts events.
• Clark Atlanta University Arts & Sciences: cau.edu/arts Includes gallery schedules and performance listings.
• Atlanta University Center Consortium: auc.edu Central hub for cross-institutional events and announcements.

Mobile Apps and Digital Tools

• Google Calendar: Sync AUC event calendars to your personal calendar using the iCal subscription links available on most event pages.
• Eventbrite: Search Atlanta University Center to find ticketed or RSVP-required events.
• Spotify/Apple Music: Follow AUC-affiliated music ensembles like the Morehouse Glee Club or Spelman College Choir for upcoming live recordings.
• Instagram: Follow @spelmanmuseum, @morehousearts, @cau_artgallery, and @aucconsortium for real-time updates, behind-the-scenes content, and artist spotlights.

Local Partnerships and Cultural Networks

The AUC collaborates with Atlantas broader arts community:

• Atlanta History Center: Hosts joint exhibitions with AUC institutions, especially around civil rights and Black cultural history.
• High Museum of Art: Occasionally features AUC student work in curated group shows.
• Atlanta Jazz Festival: Features performances by AUC music students and alumni.
• Atlanta Film Society: Screens student films from CAU and Spelman at annual festivals.

These partnerships expand access and visibility. Subscribe to their newsletters to learn about co-hosted events.

Reading and Research Materials

Deepen your appreciation with foundational texts:

• The Black Arts Movement: Literary Nationalism in the 1960s and 1970s by Larry Neal
• Black Art: A Cultural History by Richard J. Powell
• Women, Art, and the Politics of Identity in the African Diaspora by Kellie Jones
• Spelman College Museum of Fine Art: 25 Years of Collecting (exhibition catalog)

Many of these are available at the Spelman and CAU libraries, which are open to the public during business hours.

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities

If youre deeply engaged, consider volunteering or interning with AUC arts departments. Opportunities include:

• Gallery assistant
• Event coordinator
• Marketing and social media intern
• Archival research assistant

Contact the arts office directly via email. Internships often lead to mentorship, letters of recommendation, and career pathways in the arts.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Echoes of the Ancestors Exhibition at Spelman

In spring 2023, the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art hosted Echoes of the Ancestors, a multimedia exhibition featuring 17 emerging Black women artists from across the U.S. and Caribbean. The centerpiece was a 20-foot installation of woven textiles, soundscapes of ancestral chants, and projected video portraits of elders.

A visitor from Decatur, Georgia, attended the opening night. She registered online, arrived 20 minutes early, and was guided through the exhibit by a student curator. After the event, she purchased a limited-edition print by artist Zaria Forman and followed the museum on Instagram. Three months later, she returned for the artist talk and brought her niece, sparking a multi-generational conversation about heritage and creativity.

Example 2: Morehouses Voices of the Revolution Theater Production

In fall 2022, Morehouses Department of Theatre staged Voices of the Revolution, a devised play based on oral histories of civil rights activists. The production featured student actors, live gospel choir, and audience participation segments.

A college professor from Nashville attended with her class. She used the performance as a case study in her course on African American literature. After the show, she interviewed the director and obtained permission to use footage in her syllabus. The play was later archived in the Morehouse Digital Humanities Collection.

Example 3: CAUs Digital Blackness Film Festival

Each April, Clark Atlanta University hosts the Digital Blackness Film Festival, showcasing student-made short films on identity, technology, and resistance. In 2023, a 12-minute film titled Algorithmic Memory won Best Experimental Short. It depicted a Black womans AI-generated dreams as she navigates systemic erasure.

A local filmmaker from Atlanta attended all three nights of the festival. He connected with the director and offered to mentor her on grant writing. The film was later selected for the Atlanta Film Festivals student showcase.

Example 4: Cross-Campus Collaboration AUC: Sound & Vision

In 2021, the AUC Consortium launched AUC: Sound & Vision, a month-long series featuring music performances paired with visual art installations. One evening, Spelmans choir performed spirituals while Morehouse students projected abstract animations inspired by the lyrics.

Over 500 community members attended across the three nights. Attendees reported feeling a profound sense of unity and cultural pride. The event was covered by local media and became a model for future HBCU collaborations.

FAQs

Are AUC arts events open to the public?

Yes. The vast majority of exhibitions, performances, and readings are open to the public at no cost. Some events require registration due to space limitations, but there are no membership fees or gate charges for general attendance.

Do I need to be a student to attend?

No. AUC arts programming is designed to be inclusive and community-oriented. Alumni, residents, tourists, and educators are actively encouraged to participate.

Can I bring children to these events?

Most events are family-friendly, but check the event description. Some performances or installations may contain mature themes. For younger audiences, Spelman and Morehouse often host Art for Little Hands workshops on weekends.

Is parking available?

Yes. Each campus offers free visitor parking. Spelman has a dedicated lot off Spelman Lane; Morehouse has parking near the chapel; CAU has lots near Bennett Hall. Parking attendants are usually on-site during events.

Can I take photos inside galleries?

Photography is permitted in most galleries for personal, non-commercial useunless a specific artwork is labeled No Photography. Flash and tripods are prohibited. Always ask if unsure.

How do I find out about last-minute cancellations?

Follow the institutions social media accounts and subscribe to email newsletters. Most events will be canceled or rescheduled via official channels onlynever rely on third-party sites.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes. The Spelman Museum offers free guided tours on weekends. CAU and Morehouse offer tours by appointment. Contact the arts office at least 48 hours in advance.

Can I submit my own artwork to be displayed?

Yes. Each institution has an open call process for student and community artists. Visit the Call for Submissions page on each arts department website. Deadlines are typically announced in January and August.

What if I have a disability?

All AUC venues are ADA-compliant. Request accommodations (ASL interpretation, wheelchair access, sensory-friendly seating) when you register. Staff are trained to assist and appreciate advance notice.

Is there a way to support AUC arts beyond attending?

Yes. You can donate to arts endowments, volunteer as a docent, sponsor a student artist, or help with marketing. Contact the development office of any AUC institution for opportunities.

Conclusion

Attending the arts at the Atlanta University Center is not merely about observing cultureit is about participating in a living, breathing tradition of resilience, innovation, and truth-telling. The galleries, stages, and studios of Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta, and ITC are sanctuaries where Black creativity is not only displayed but honored, interrogated, and expanded. Each event is a thread in a larger tapestry that connects past struggles to present possibilities and future dreams.

By following this guideplanning your visits, respecting the space, engaging with artists, and supporting the institutionsyou become more than an audience member. You become a steward of cultural legacy. You help ensure that these spaces remain vibrant, accessible, and transformative for generations to come.

Whether youre a first-time visitor or a seasoned attendee, the AUC arts scene welcomes younot as a spectator, but as a co-creator. Come with curiosity. Leave with connection. And carry the spirit of these experiences into your world beyond the campus gates.