Advancing the role of the arts across Boston University
Simply put, our goal is to make art part of every Terrier’s time at BU.
Boston University Arts Initiative ensures that the arts are fundamental to the student experience by developing, supporting, and celebrating university-wide programs that advance community-building through the arts, encourage interdisciplinary arts teaching and research, and highlights diverse artists and forms of artistry. We are proud to be a part of the College of Fine Arts and the Community & Inclusion team of the Office of the Provost.
Our Mission
- 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 community to connect via the arts
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.
Meet the BU Arts Initiative Team
Elana Harris
Interim Managing Director
Elana Harris currently serves as the Interim Managing Director for the BU Arts Initiative. Elana oversees the BU Arts Initiative’s portfolio of programs and initiatives, including the BU Global Music Festival, the BU Arts Council, the Student Advisory Council for the Arts, artist residencies, student community/wellbeing programs, the BU First Year Passport to the Arts, and the Fall Arts Fair, as well as programming and research grants, student arts memberships and discounts, and other impactful initiatives. Before coming to Boston, Elana worked for the Sandy Spring Museum and the Maryland Federation of Art, the oldest continuously operated non-profit gallery in the state of Maryland.
Bithiah Holton
Administrative Coordinator
Bithiah Holton is a multidisciplinary artist and educator interested in the convergence of art, education, and identity. As the Administrative Coordinator for the BU Arts Initiative, Bithiah oversees the BUAI office gallery installations, prepares marketing materials, provides administrative support for events and meetings, and research support for development activities. They return to BU after diverse experiences at the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center’s Pao Arts Center and Red Oak Program, and the Boston Public Schools in Roxbury as a visual arts teacher for K1-6th grade. As an artist, Bithiah often works in comics, illustration, printmaking, and ceramics.
BU Arts Initiative Annual Reports
Learn more about programming through the years in annual reports documenting and celebrating our residencies, collaborations, and grant projects.
Downloadable Annual Reports
Experience the Arts at BU
From our annual fall arts fair and art installations across Terrier Town to community and well-being programming and visiting artist residencies, there is so much to see and do at BU Arts Initiative!