Enriching Middle Tennessee's Arts & Culture for 40 Years
Since 1985, the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA, pronounced "seek-ah") has been the cultural cornerstone of Austin Peay State University and Middle Tennessee. As a dynamic arts hub, we bring creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence to the Clarksville community and beyond.
What We Offer
Programs & Events
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Public concerts and performances
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Art exhibitions and galleries
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Guest artist lectures
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Professional masterclasses
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Innovative workshops
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Artist residency programs
Academic Support
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Student scholarships for emerging artists
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Faculty research opportunities
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Professional development resources
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Hands-on learning experiences
All CECA events are free and open to the community unless otherwise noted. Join us in celebrating the arts and fostering creative excellence in Middle Tennessee.
Creative Arts Areas at Austin Peay
The Department offers comprehensive studies in:
- Drawing and Painting
- Digital Media
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Photography
- Ceramics
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Art Education
Housed in the Department of Languages & Literature, our writing program features:
- Undergraduate and graduate courses
- Small, intimate class sizes
- Internship opportunities
- Scholarship programs
- Active creative community
A cornerstone of Clarksville's cultural landscape, offering:
- Performance opportunities
- Professional training
- Community engagement
- Concert series
- Ensemble experiences
Features state-of-the-art facilities and programs focusing on:
- Performance arts
- Technical theatre
- Dance studies
- Professional development
- Community outreach
Latest News
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Written by acclaimed playwright Daniel Pearle, the production examines a married couple's struggles as they navigate their roles as parents to a gender-nonconforming child.
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The Austin Peay State University Department of Music, with support from the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, has named Giancarlos Jose Carvajal Fonseca and Tyler Orendorff as the winners of the 2025-26 Concerto & Aria Competition, with an honorable mention awarded to Cal Luzzo.
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Austin Peay State University's Zone 3 Press, with support from the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, is hosting NEA Creative Writing Fellowship recipient and award-winning writer Toni Jensen for a free public reading and book signing at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, in Art + Design Room 120.
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