Three students twirl colorful ribbons at the outdoor concert called LIVE@Lake Raleigh

Discover the Arts

Arts NC State is the collective organization comprised of the visual and performing arts programs of NC State University.

I want to perform

Theatre auditions are open to all students–regardless of your academic major or prior experience.

I like working backstage

Check out volunteer opportunities with University Theatre in scene shops, costumes, lighting, sound and backstage crew. Some paid jobs are also available for ushers and other crew.

I want to see a show

NC State LIVE brings in extraordinary performances from around the world, and offers unique opportunities for students to learn from and interact with the artists.

I want to make things

Visit the Crafts Center to take non-credit courses and workshops in pottery, woodworking, jewelry, metals–all in a welcoming, informal learning environment.

The Gregg Museum of Art & Design offers multiple exhibitions each year featuring items from its permanent collection of more than 50,000 objects, as well as exhibitions from a particular artist or thematic concept.

Free arts activities on campus

Yoga and mindfulness, theatre workshops, concerts, art-clubs and more!

Add these events to your calendar!

See more events

Engage in the Arts

Crafts Center

Gregg Museum

NC State LIVE

University Theatre

What is Public Art?

“Public art is for the people – art that is accessible for all to see, enjoy and experience.”
– Chandra Cox, Public artist and Distinguished Professor of Media Arts, Design, and Technology

At NC State, public art is intentionally designed for both indoor and outdoor environments — from libraries and lounges, to plazas, walkways, and gardens. Each work is sited to invite interaction, encourage reflection, and enrich the rhythm of daily life.

Experience Art Across Campus

The Wulke Shelf, by Joy Wulke. D.H. Hill Jr. Library.

Decorative graphic highlighting the Student Art Sale Spring 2026.

Make plans to attend the sale!

Join us on Saturday, April 18 at the Gregg Museum of Art & Design to shop and support NC State’s student artists. Painting, woodworking, pottery, crochet, jewelry, photography and much more!

See the details

Part of the Arts NC State Student Art Collection. "Fallen Flowers on Water" Digital Photography Natalie Kerby Computer Science, Junior, 2012

Art + Science Projects

When integrated into scientific research, problem solving and project ideation, art can play a transformative role in co-creating solutions and broadening the perspective of all participants. The arts transform any subject into a high impact experience, which opens the door for new understanding and embodiment of the work at hand.

At the same time, science and technology are often the subjects of – and inspiration for – great works of art, and a grounding in the science, engineering and technology underpinning their craft can inform and expand an artist’s vision.

A small group of people playing in a drum circle.

Introducing Arts + Wellness: A New, Impactful Initiative

We’re passionate about the high-impact experiences that the arts can provide to students and the community. It’s through interdisciplinary initiatives like Arts + Wellness that Arts NC State can not only enrich the lives of students, but create meaningful impact for them by encouraging critical inquiry, empathy and dialogue through immersive experiences with the arts.

Brayden Hearn proudly displays his Howling Success banner in one of University Theatre's dressing rooms.

Howling Success: Brayden Hearn

Our final Howling Success of 2025 is a student who has found a home in the University Theatre Community, acting in and directing several productions. He is going on to study Shakespeare and Performance in graduate school.

Four people standing in a building lobby, with one speaking into a microphone.

Bridging the Art-and-Science Divide

While popular opinion tends to place art and science at opposing poles, artist Leah Sobsey is more inclined to focus on the ground they share in helping us understand our…

Dancers weave through a multi-colored net as part of Rebecca Lazier's NOLI TIMERE, which recently came to campus for a week through NC State LIVE.

NC State LIVE’s InterweaveFEST a Celebration of Interdisciplinary Collaboration

It’s fitting that a recent week-long series of events centered around NOLI TIMERE by Rebecca Lazier, which features aerial dance work set within a custom net sculpture, was dubbed InterweaveFest. The series was hosted by NC State LIVE and brought to light through the collaboration of numerous NC State units and departments.

The woven bronze wolf statues on Wolf Plaza on a sunny fall afternoon

Weaving Art Into NC State’s Identity

The installation of bronze wolf statues, geometric glass sculptures and other public art is part of a long-term, strategic effort to beautify NC State’s campus.

Carol Fountain Nix's River shows the devastation that Hurricane Helene brought to Western North Carolina.

WORDS = POWER Collaboration to Showcase Student, Faculty Art at Crafts Center and Gregg Museum

This fall, a collaboration between two Arts NC State organizations will showcase the work of students, faculty and local artists in two powerful exhibitions.

our animal-processing tent overlooking the Peruvian Amazon at sunset.

The Beauty and Breadth of NC State Research

The annual Envisioning Research contest commemorates its tenth year in 2025. For the past decade, students, faculty and staff have submitted their images to the competition, helping our campus highlight the beauty and importance of scientific exploration and discovery.

Looking for tickets?

Ticket Central provides tickets for visual and performing arts programs at various NC State venues.

Learn more

Flamenco dance and music from Tablao Flamenco. — Thompson/University Theatre at NC State University. Photo by Marc Hall*aria-label=”Image caption text”*