UTSA Launches Community Arts Degree to Cultivate local Arts Leadership
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has introduced a new Bachelor of Arts degree in Community Arts, designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles within the city’s thriving arts and nonprofit sectors.The program, housed within the interdisciplinary School for Engagement in the Humanities and Social Sciences, emphasizes a blend of cultural theory and practical request.
Co-directed by Mark Menjívar, associate professor of public practice in the arts and associate director of UTSA Arts, and Emilie Amrein, professor of community arts education and executive director of UTSA Arts, the curriculum offers concentrations in arts Leadership, Community Arts Education, and public Practice in the Arts. Students will gain skills in areas like artistic practice,project design,grant writing,and community partnership progress.
A key component of the program is experiential learning, connecting students directly with San Antonio’s diverse arts ecosystem. through partnerships with local galleries, cultural institutions, and community centers, students will participate in community-based art projects and gain hands-on experience.
“San Antonio is an inspiring place to study and lead through the arts, with creativity thriving in world-class museums, dynamic organizations, and vibrant public art,” said Amrein. “Our students will translate classroom learning into real-world impact across the city.”
UTSA Arts serves as a central hub for this activity, coordinating exhibitions, programs, residencies, and collaborations that link the university to the broader San antonio cultural landscape.
“This program equips students with the experiences and skills needed to succeed in the arts sector,” added Menjívar. “I’m eager to see how our students collaborate with the community to shape our city’s future.”
The Community Arts degree program is currently accepting enrollment. Future developments include a new Art + Health concentration in 2026, stemming from a recent university merger, and the planned launch of a Master of Fine Arts degree in community Arts in 2027.
