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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Austin Peay State University's Department of Art + Design, in collaboration with the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, will install two new sculptures by Brett Douglas Hunter and Howard Russo at 9 a.m. on May 5 in the Arts Quad, on loan until 2028 through an Arts Project Support Grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission.
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The Unbannable Library, a series of giant interactive book installations led by Professor Paul Collins, will travel to New York City for the PEN America World Voices Festival from April 29 to May 2, featuring a collaborative work by four Department of Art + Design students.
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Based on director Padraic Lillis' award-winning one-man show, the film blends live performance elements with narrative cinematic storytelling in an intimate conversation about suicide, addiction, and the importance of sharing stories in our darkest moments.
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