College of the Arts

Creative expression meets real-world impact.

Experience the arts at PSU

Find your creative voice—and experience the voices of others—at the most dynamic and accessible public arts institution in Oregon.

Through creative research, community projects, and hundreds of public events each year, the College of the Arts makes Portland a better place to live.

In the studio and on the stage, in the classroom and the community. Our students and faculty cultivate the bold ideas that can change the world.

Artists are problem solvers. Today more than ever, that’s what the world needs.

Creative practice demands new ideas, empathy for others, collaboration and practical results. These skills are essential for solving the big challenges facing society today—and they’re at the heart of our college. That’s why our graduates are well prepared for successful careers in the arts and beyond.

COVID-19 Update: The College of the Arts staff will continue to work partially remotely during Winter term 2022. Don't hesitate to reach out to the-arts@pdx.edu with any specific questions or concerns.

Upcoming events

May 17 May 17

PSU Vocal Collective at The 1905

The PSU Vocal Collective will perform a set that includes unique vocal…

Add to my Calendar 2022-05-17 17:30:00 2022-05-17 19:30:00 PSU Vocal Collective at The 1905 The PSU Vocal Collective will perform a set that includes unique vocal jazz arrangements from throughout the school year. Proof of COVID vaccination or negative test result within 72 hours is required for indoor seating. $20 food/drink minimum per guest. Reservations recommended. The 1905 830 N Shaver St Portland, OR Sherry Alves alves4@pdx.edu Sherry Alves alves4@pdx.edu America/Los_Angeles public

A woman kneels over a woven rug on a wooden floor, viewed from above.

May 17 May 17

Vo Vo Artist Talk: Digital Weaving

Vo Vo is a Portland-based artist and radical educator who primarily works…

Add to my Calendar 2022-05-17 18:00:00 2022-05-17 19:00:00 Vo Vo Artist Talk: Digital Weaving Vo Vo is a Portland-based artist and radical educator who primarily works in textiles, embroidery, weaving, and furniture building. Their installations seek to interrogate power dynamics, structural oppression, challenge histories and realities of imperialism, white supremacy, and colonization. The PSU Textile Arts Department is honored to host an artist talk with Vo as they visit Shelley Socolofsky's Digital Weaving course to discuss their practice and work, including that with the TC2 loom. Learn more about Vo and their work at vovovovo.weebly.com Eventbrite Registration Online art-design@pdx.edu art-design@pdx.edu America/Los_Angeles public

May 19 May 19

Show & Tell: Nic Adenau

PSUGD welcomes Nic Adenau to Show & Tell Nic Adenau seeks to bring…

Add to my Calendar 2022-05-19 12:00:00 2022-05-19 13:00:00 Show & Tell: Nic Adenau PSUGD welcomes Nic Adenau to Show & Tell Nic Adenau seeks to bring clarity between the human-technology relationship through design. He is currently a freelance Design Director located in Portland, Oregon. Nic primarily focuses on user experience, digital innovation, and digital marketing. An essential ethos that drives his work is to make digital practices more accessible to the design industry. Simultaneously, he aim to reduce barriers to entry into the craft, spending my free time mentoring young designers. Nic founded the Visual Craft Studio at the digital agency, Instrument. And has collaborated and worked with Nike, Converse, Rick Owens, Adidas, Dropbox, Google, Facebook, Sonos, and Patagonia. He is also an Adjunct Professor for the Art + Design program at Portland State University. Check out Nic’s work at adenau.co or @nicadenau Join us on May 19th at 12pm Pacific at psu.gd/showandtell. At noon, the link will redirect you to our Zoom room. Stop on by! Online art-design@pdx.edu art-design@pdx.edu America/Los_Angeles public

May 19 May 19

Noon Concert Series: Brass Area Recital

PSU Brass students perform their annual spring recital. This spring we're…

Add to my Calendar 2022-05-19 12:00:00 2022-05-19 13:00:00 Noon Concert Series: Brass Area Recital PSU Brass students perform their annual spring recital. This spring we're excited to welcome the general public back to Lincoln Hall to watch the series live. You'll also be able to watch each concert on PSU's YouTube channel using the link below. The Noon Concert Series is a weekly opportunity to experience the sounds of the PSU School of Music & Theater. Join us on Thursdays during fall, winter, and spring terms for a diverse program of concerts featuring students, faculty, and special guests. Learn more at pdx.edu/music-theater/noon-concert Lincoln Recital Hall & YouTube 1620 SW Park Ave Portland, OR PSU Music Department music@pdx.edu PSU Music Department music@pdx.edu America/Los_Angeles public

Events may be subject to change due to state and local COVID policy updates. Please check individual event details for current information on specific events before attending.

Our schools

School of Architecture

School of Art + Design

School of Film

School of Music & Theater

Student Resources

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Nurturing Creativity, Transforming Lives

Every day at PSU's College of the Arts, we cultivate the bold ideas that can change the world. In the studio, on stage, in the classroom and in the city, our students and faculty find their creative voices and listen to the voices of others, making the Portland community a better place to live.

Black Lives Matter

The College of the Arts is committed to working for justice and striving to create an anti-racist environment for our students, faculty, staff and community. Read Dean Leroy Bynum, Jr.'s statement to the community.

Read Dean Bynum's statement

Your generosity makes a difference

Innovation, advocacy, and community building are central to addressing today’s challenges—and creativity is key. College of the Arts students pursue rigorous academic curricula and learn the skills and discipline for successful and sustainable careers in the arts. Your gift will have direct impact on aspiring artists, musicians, designers, and makers!

The College of the Arts Student Hardship Fund was created to provide immediate support to students in need of emergency funds to cover both academic and personal expenses, such as housing, medical bills, utilities, and equipment. Thank you for your gift to support College of the Arts students facing financial hardship during this challenging time.