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The Arts

One of the marks of a great university is a deep and enduring commitment to the arts. At Belhaven we are deeply committed to the arts and to artists.
“Over a third of our students participate in the arts at Belhaven and we are dedicated to helping artists hone their craft and thrive. Artists are appreciated, respected and embraced as important, integral members of the Belhaven community.” Dr. Roger Parrott, University President
One of only thirty six colleges or universities in the U.S. nationally accredited in all four areas of the arts: Visual Arts, Dance, Theatre, and Music.
If you’re a Christian in the arts, this is the single greatest place you should be. Belhaven, a university of 5,000 students, is competing at the highest level in every area of the arts. Our philosophy is that the arts are some of the best tools for communication, persuasion and inspiration. Who has the ability to sway and shape culture more than artists?
At Belhaven musical arts take center stage in homes, churches, private studios, educational institutions, and, yes, the concert stage. Our leaders use their God-given talents in their careers through composition and conducting, in music industries, ministries, performances, therapy, and teaching.
The Center for the Arts is occupied by the music and theatre departments, consisting of piano and computer labs, soundproofed practice rooms, a flexible black box theatre, costuming and technical design areas, and numerous teaching studios, classrooms, faculty offices and performance space. The 800-seat concert hall holds weekly chapel services as well as numerous performances throughout the year.
"The one word to describe my music experience at Belhaven is 'Growth.' I am more prepared for my goal of being a teacher. I have worked to develop my artistic skills as a musician and dancer, and now I have more knowledge to be able to impart to future students." Alexandra Sahli, from Lodi, CA
Accredited at the highest level by the National Association of Schools of Music
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER, a best in class, 42,756-square-foot facility that is home to four professional dance studios, a fully equipped dance performance theatre, computer design labs, photography studios and darkroom, painting, drawing and sculpture studios, faculty offices, and a beautiful art gallery.
Accredited by the National Association of the Schools of Dance
All of our events include original choreographic works created by our innovative dance faculty, seasoned guest artists, and students studying dance composition.
"I chose Belhaven because of the diverse classes and the holistic approach to dance. You learn so much about the different avenues you can take as a dance major and where your career could lead in the dance world." Jonathan Bostelman, Columbus, Indiana
Belhaven provides rigorous technical training, abundant performance opportunities, individualized instruction, and focused career preparation with particular attention to the integration of faith and learning.
Accredited at the highest level by the National Association of Schools of Art
"I have learned how to ‘see’ art—not just looking at it, but noticing all the technical details, engaging with a piece mentally and emotionally, understanding why a piece makes me feel a certain way, and having some idea of the artist’s intentions." Deja Harris, Mississippi
In the visual arts, we emphasize artistic and technical excellence through creative exploration, individualized mentoring, and caring community that has proven professional and career opportunities.
"There is an energy here that is very different from any other liberal arts or Christian university. The people here value educating students to be excellent in their craft as well as their character." Jenna Corrin Kahley, Rockford, Illinois
Belhaven is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre
We believe students learn best by doing! Each year, at least two of our productions will feature student designs, or at least one production will be directed by a student annually.
"I’ll be ready to go into the very competitive field of graphic design with the right skills and a strong Christian worldview." Kathryn Veldhorst, Oostburg, WI

Film Production

"I will be prepared to work in any and all things film, television and digital media-related. The film program is so versatile in the career route you can take, which is great for me as I'm the type of individual who doesn't like to limit himself." Marcus Shelton, Jackson, MS

Creative Writing

Belhaven only Christian university in the US offering a Bachelor of Fine Arts in creative writing and one of only 26 undergraduate institutions offering such a degree.

"I will have gained the experience in writing that is needed to create good pieces of literature and have the opportunity to be recognized in the literary world." Anna Lopes, Sao Paulo, Brazil
The Brogue is the fine arts journal of Belhaven University, published annually by the Creative Writing Department. Members of the Brogue editorial staff and contributors to the journal include representatives from many areas of the arts at Belhaven: creative writing, theater, visual art, graphic design, music, and dance.