Stanford has a vibrant campus arts scene, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming. If you’re looking to make any kind of art but are not sure about the first steps and what’s available, check out these resources as a starting point. Still have questions? Our team is here to help!
Explore Free Resources On Campus
Stanford has many campus spaces that are stocked with a variety of supplies (art, electronics, textiles, etc.) that are available to students for free!
- Visit Roble Arts Gym (RAG) to explore the art supplies available in the Messy Arts Space, as well as the items available through the Equipment Lending Library (ELL).
- The making@stanford guide is a great place to look for information about other campus maker spaces that have equipment and supplies available for student use.
- Not seeing the supplies and/or equipment you need? Submit a request to the RAG/ELL team. They may be able to add your items to the available resources in RAG or ELL so that you and other students can have access.
Connect with Other Artists & Creatives
Whether you're looking for collaborators or just want to meet other campus creatives, these campus meet-ups are great opportunities to connect with other arts-interested students.
- Join the Arts Community Student Liaisons on Fridays for Bring Your Own Coffee (BYOC). Hang out with other campus creatives and learn about upcoming events and opportunities. Sign up for su_artsmakers to receive event updates.
- Visit Harmony House, home to the Institute for Diversity in the Arts (IDA). Meet other campus creatives while hanging out in the lounge, or attend a kickback, collo, or workshop hosted by IDA's student staff. Sign up for IDA's mailing list for event announcements.
- Attend Art & Boba Talks at the Cantor Arts Center. They're informal chats meant to be a welcoming space for students to engage with practicing arts professionals, whether you're an aspiring artist or just simply love art.
- Attend a Stanford Live Masterclass. Learn from professional performing artists and try out a new skill along with fellow students. Sign up for Stanford Live's newsletter to receive updates.
Join a Group Exhibition or Showcase
Participate in group exhibitions and performance showcases. This is a great way to display/perform your work alongside other students without having to worry about handling all of the venue logistics or marketing. Check out the list of free campus resources above to help with the creation of your submission.
- The Winter Performing Arts Festival and Spring Arts Fair accept submissions from all students (undergrad, co-term, and graduate). These events are organized by the Stanford Arts student staff and are a great way to learn about putting on exhibitions and showcases.
- Be on the lookout for other campus calls for art/performers in the ArtsUpdate and on su_artsmakers, many of which are run through student organizations and Neighborhoods.
Take Your Project to the Next Level
Explore these campus opportunities for individual artists that offer time, mentorship, and in some cases, funding to expand your creative idea.
- Apply for the IDA Undergraduate Fellowship. This year-long program commissions new work from students and offers time for generative art practice in community.
- Cantor Scholars pursue research or creative projects inspired by art at the Cantor. Scholars receive mentorship from Cantor staff and funding to realize their projects.
- Work your project into an interdisciplinary capstone through either the Inter-Arts Minor or Honors in the Arts.
- Ready to explore your artistic practice after graduation? The VPA Senior Grant supports recent graduates pursuing original projects.
Have questions that aren't covered on this page? Need feedback on a project idea?
Contact the Stanford Arts team for guidance. We can help you strategize additional opportunities and resources to realize your artistic idea.
Learn more about our team and each member's areas of expertise
