Join us in exploring a world of arts & culture at MSU

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The following are some of the MSU units and centers that connect MSU to communities and groups:

• Cultural Engagement Council The Council activities promote collaborative projects among campus units, more integration of the arts into general education offerings, and more diverse cultural experiences for audiences on campus and throughout the state of Michigan.
• University Outreach and EngagementThe Office connects faculty with external audiences to address community issues.
• MSU ExtensionExtension reaches into all 83 counties in Michigan to provide practical, university-based knowledge.
• Families and Communities Together (FACT) CoalitionFACT links MSU's researchers and resources with community partners and initiatives.
• Public Humanities CollaborativeThe Collaborative celebrates and promotes arts and humanities teaching, scholarship, and programming on campus and beyond.

Outreach Initiatives and Programs

By partnering with communities, Michigan State University has been advancing knowledge and transforming lives through innovative teaching, research, and service for over 150 years. Our tradition began in 1855 as the prototype for 69 land-grant institutions established under the Morrill Act of 1862. Working with communities is a vital component of the land-grant mission and arts and culture is an integral part of what MSU has to offer.

The following are some of the arts and culture projects, initiatives, and programs that MSU colleges and departments are engaged in with community partners:

• MSU Museum
  • Traveling Exhibition ProgramThis service of the Museum is to make the results of its extensive research, collections, and educational programs accessible to a wider audience.
  • Virtual Outreach ProgramThis program allows teachers to provide fun and meaningful learning experiences for their students without the expense, permission forms, and geographic limitations of ordinary field trips.
• Kresge Art Museum at MSU
  • Senior Outreach ProgramThis program offers slide and lecture presentations of the collections and exhibitions to senior centers, service organizations, and retirement homes.
• Wharton Center for Performing Arts
  • Act One SeriesThis program features nationally touring youth theatre production companies in one-hour shows designed to educate and entertain young audiences.
  • Seats 4 KidsThis program is a scholarship fund that provides free tickets to local youths who could not otherwise afford to attend a performing arts event.
  • Jazz KatzFor grades 5-8, this program is modeled after Jazz at Lincoln Center's highly successful programs for youth.
  • Evening College Courses Courses offered include "Behind The Scenes at Wharton Center."
  • Preview Lectures Free, half-hour discussions are presented prior to shows by industry experts who provide unique insight into performances.
  • Stratford Festival Artist-In-Residency Program This program provides several opportunities for members of the community to share the time and talents of world-renowned artists.
  • Street Marketing and Outreach TeamStudents work closely with staff to market attractions, coordinate promotions, and help facilitate a wide variety of activities -- For more information, contact Bob Hoffman at bob.hoffman@whartoncenter.com
• MSU Press
  • African Books CollectiveThis program is designed to raise the profile of African-published books and disseminate them more widely in North America.
• Department of Theatre
  • Young Playwrights Festival (with the Wharton Center)This program encourages high school students' interest in writing and drama.
  • Theatre Symposium (with the Wharton Center)
    Each mainstage production is accompanied by a special symposium related to an important topic or theme of the play; frequently faculty from other departments on campus and representatives from community organizations offer their special insight into the symposium topic.
• Department of Art and Art History
  • Visiting Artist and Scholar Lecture Series Renowned artists are invited to talk about their art.
  • Design Center Design Center members work with faculty on real-world projects. Students are provided the opportunity to work with internal and external clients in a mutually educational and professional environment.
  • Potluck VideoThis virtual resource is a venue to encourage individuals to share creative work with others in the local and global community.
• MSU College of Music
  • Community Music SchoolThe School provides comprehensive music education—quality instruction, related music services, and educational programs—for interested individuals of all ages and levels.
• College of Arts and Letters
  • Center for Language Education and Research (CLEAR)The Center promotes and supports foreign language teaching and learning in the U.S. through its various projects and outreach activities.
• Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives
  • Commemorative Celebration of the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.Events are organized which serve to expand our knowledge, honor the past, and provide numerous opportunities for members of the community to take action to bring about positive change.
• MSU Alumni Association
  • Evening CollegeThis program provides noncredit personal enrichment courses for adults.
• Student Affairs and Services
  • Center for Service-Learning and Civic EngagementThe Center provides curricular and co-curricular service-based learning and engagement opportunities for MSU students. Opportunities are offered that meet students’ goals while also addressing the expressed needs of the community.
• WKAR
  • Ready To Learn Service The sevice offers free materials to parents and caregivers and periodically offers free workshops in literacy and media literacy to families.
  • Good Health Is for Everybody The initiative promotes healthy lifestyles for children and families.
  • Radio Talking Book This free service provides news and information for those who are challenged by the printed word.
• One Book, One CommunityThis program encourages the East Lansing and Michigan State University community to read the same book over a six-week period each autumn and to come together to discuss it in a variety of settings.