USF College of Design, Art & Performance

For residents across the vibrant Florida region, particularly those in the greater Tampa Bay area, the University of South Florida's College of Design, Art & Performance stands as a dynamic and accessible hub for cultural enrichment and artistic exploration. More than just an academic institution, this college is the creative center of USF, offering a rich tapestry of public performances, exhibitions, and lectures that showcase the immense talent of its students, dedicated faculty, and esteemed guest artists. Whether you're a seasoned arts patron, a curious individual looking for new experiences, or a family seeking inspiring entertainment, the USF College of Design, Art & Performance provides a world-class platform for engaging with the visual and performing arts right here in your local community.

The USF College of Design, Art & Performance is strategically located at 13001 USF Laurel Drive, FAH 110, Tampa, FL 33620, USA, within the expansive and easily navigable University of South Florida Tampa campus. Its position within the university provides excellent accessibility for residents throughout Tampa, Wesley Chapel, New Tampa, and surrounding areas. USF Laurel Drive is well-integrated into the campus road network, ensuring straightforward access from major thoroughfares. While parking permits are generally required on campus, restrictions are often lifted after 7:00 PM for evening events, making it convenient for public attendees. For events occurring before 7:00 PM or on weekends, daily permits can be purchased at the main USF entrance or at parking pay stations near visitor lots. Comprehensive maps and shuttle services are also available via the USF Parking & Transportation page to assist visitors in navigating the campus. This thoughtful accessibility, combined with clearly marked venues, ensures that attending events at the College of Design, Art & Performance is a smooth and enjoyable experience for all local users.

As the creative center of the University of South Florida, the College of Design, Art & Performance offers a vast array of services and opportunities, extending far beyond traditional academic programs to serve the wider community. These offerings provide invaluable experiences for both students and the public.

• Public Performances: Annually, the college proudly features its faculty, students, and guest artists in approximately 400 stage productions, concerts, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are often free of charge and open to the public, providing accessible arts and culture.
• Music Concerts: The School of Music hosts numerous performances featuring diverse ensembles, including choral groups, bands (such as the nationally recognized USF Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band), jazz ensembles, orchestra, percussion ensembles, electronic music groups, and various chamber ensembles. They also host the renowned Steinway Piano Series, presenting international pianists.
• Theatre Productions: The School of Theatre & Dance regularly stages plays and other theatrical productions, showcasing student talent in acting, directing, and technical theatre. These range from main season productions to student-led projects and experimental works.
• Dance Performances: The School of Theatre & Dance presents a variety of dance performances, including contemporary, ballet, and modern dance, often featuring original choreography by faculty and students.
• Art Exhibitions: The School of Art & Art History, alongside the USF Contemporary Art Museum and the Carolyn M. Wilson Gallery, hosts a continuous rotation of exhibitions. These include international exhibitions, annual juried student exhibitions, BFA and MFA thesis exhibitions, and displays from the internationally acclaimed Graphicstudio.
• Public Lectures and Symposia: The college regularly hosts lectures by nationally and internationally recognized artists, art historians, critics, and scholars across all disciplines, offering intellectual engagement for the community.
• Research in the Arts: Through units like the Graphicstudio, the Center for Music Education Research, and the Florida Center for Community Design and Research, the college engages in interdisciplinary research that often results in public presentations, discussions, and publications that benefit the community.
• Venue Rentals: Many of the college's state-of-the-art facilities, including Theatre 1 (seating 552), the Music Concert Hall (seating 483), the Barness Music Recital Hall (seating 105), dance studios, and black box theaters, are available for private rental to outside organizations.

The USF College of Design, Art & Performance boasts numerous features and highlights that underscore its significance as a premier performing arts institution in Florida.

• Diverse Academic Schools: The college is home to five distinct units: the School of Architecture & Community Design, the School of Art & Art History, the School of Music, the School of Theatre & Dance, and the Institute for Research in Art. This interdisciplinary structure enriches the creative environment.
• World-Class Facilities: Students and audiences benefit from exceptional venues. The School of Music boasts one of the most acoustically advanced concert spaces in the southeastern United States. Dance facilities include three 40'x50' studios with floating wood floors, cushioned Tarkett flooring, and grand pianos. Theatre facilities include a large scene shop, costume shop, and multiple blackbox theaters. The School of Art & Art History offers specialized studios for animation, ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, and printmaking, equipped with advanced technology.
• Graphicstudio: An internationally acclaimed contemporary printmaking studio, it is the only university-based program of its kind in the United States. Its complete production of innovative art makes USF a unique cultural destination.
• USF Contemporary Art Museum: Located within the college, this museum features international exhibitions and is a significant cultural asset, providing opportunities for students and the public to engage with contemporary art.
• Abundant Public Events: With approximately 400 public events annually, the college consistently offers a wealth of artistic and intellectual engagement opportunities for the Tampa Bay community, many of which are free.
• Student and Faculty Excellence: The College is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in the arts by providing hands-on experiences and real-world opportunities for exhibitions, performances, and practice. Students and faculty regularly achieve recognition at national, regional, and state levels.
• Commitment to Research and Innovation: Research in the arts at USF expands creative practice through interdisciplinary work, global explorations, and local community engagement, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and knowledge.
• Community Engagement: Beyond performances, the college is deeply involved in the Tampa Bay arts community through various projects and collaborations, making it an integral part of the local cultural landscape.

To learn more about events, academic programs, or to connect with the USF College of Design, Art & Performance, please use the following contact information:

Address: 13001 USF Laurel Drive, FAH 110, Tampa, FL 33620, USA

Phone: (813) 974-2301

Mobile Phone: +1 813-974-2301

You can also visit their official website or social media channels for the most current event calendars and news. For specific event inquiries, the box office can be contacted at cota-boxoffice@usf.edu.

For locals throughout the Florida region, especially those in the Tampa Bay area, the USF College of Design, Art & Performance is an indispensable resource for experiencing world-class arts and culture. Its consistent offering of over 400 public performances, exhibitions, and lectures each year ensures that there is always something new and inspiring to discover, often at no cost. This accessibility makes high-caliber artistic experiences available to everyone, enriching the local cultural landscape. Whether you're drawn to the power of live music, the drama of theatrical productions, the grace of dance, or the thought-provoking nature of visual art, the college provides a diverse and engaging calendar. Furthermore, supporting the college means investing in the future of the arts, as you witness the development of tomorrow's creative leaders and benefit from the expertise of renowned faculty and guest artists. Its status as a university institution ensures a high standard of quality, making it a perfect destination for local residents seeking enriching, convenient, and truly impactful performing arts experiences right in their own community.

USF College of Design, Art & Performance

13001 USF Laurel Drive, FAH 110, Tampa, FL 33620, USA