About The BU Arts Initiative
The Boston University Arts Initiative ensures that the arts are fundamental to the student experience by developing and supporting university-wide programs to advance the role of the arts at BU through building community; supporting interdisciplinary arts teaching, learning, and research; and highlighting diverse artists and modes of artistry. We are proud to be a part of the Community & Inclusion team of the Office of the Provost.
Specifically, in coordination with the BU Arts Council, and with the support of our Student Advisory Council, we work to:
- Raise the visibility of and bring recognition to the breadth and excellence of the arts at BU
- Increase student access to and engagement with the arts at BU and in the Boston area, so that BU students develop an active and participatory role in the arts as a meaningful element of their BU experience
- Deepen integration of the arts into the curriculum and faculty development of high quality, interdisciplinary, inclusive arts programming
- Support initiatives that build community by engaging individuals in the practice of, participation in, and intellectual dialogue around art and art making
- Encourage meaningful opportunities for the BU community and the Boston area community to connect via the arts
For more information about the BU Arts Initiative’s programming and impact, see our past annual reports.
Partners
While we collaborate and partner with many offices and departments across the university for specific programs, there are a few offices whose vision and priorities align deeply with ours and with whom we frequently collaborate and consult; those include: Diversity & Inclusion, Student Wellbeing, Innovate@BU, The Newbury Center, and the Initiative on Cities, check out the fantastic work of each of these programs.
Our Programs & Resources
Artist Residencies
Student Community & Wellbeing Programs
Programming and Research Grants
BU Global Music Festival
Student Memberships & Discounts
Fall Arts Fair
BU First Year Passport to the Arts
Weekly Arts at BU Notices
HUB cocurricular 133 - The Individual, Community, and the Arts
Additional Faculty and Staff Support and Discounts
Exhibition and Performance Opportunities
Public Art at BU
College of Arts & Sciences Writing —Boston Now
Our Antiracist, Inclusive, and Social Justice Commitments
- Our staff, student advisory council, and the BU Arts Council will be comprised of diverse individuals representing a variety of disciplines, racial/ethnic heritage, life experience, and ability
- We will develop programs that respond to or address social justice issues and hire artists whose identity and practice represent the full spectrum of humanity and the BU community
- Our programs will supplement and inform an antiracist curriculum
- Our programs will decenter whiteness
- Our programs will be free or very low cost for all students and we will promote our resources and events widely through a variety of channels on campus including identity based campus organizations and programs
- Our programs and communications will model inclusive practices in access, design, language, and content
- We will provide programming and opportunities that build community and support a sense of belonging for BIPOC and queer students
- We will regularly assess these practices and seek appropriate input on improving
Staff
Managing Director: Dr. Ty Furman
Program Administrator: Ivy Buena
Administrative Coordinator: Elana Harris
Graduate Assistant: Merritt Kramer
Graphic Designer: Nolan Thompson
Office Assistants: Emma Iversen, Tajrir Tahtial