Artist-in-Residence Program

The Artist-in-Residence Program at American University is one of the most extensive visiting artist programs in the country. It is an extraordinarily focused program bringing eight visiting faculty over a graduate students’ two years at AU. The program is designed to bring two artists-in-residence each semester, the artists’-in-residence teach two days per month for the full semester. The Artists-in-Residence Program is unique because it provides one-on-one studio visits throughout the entire semester. Our Artists-in-Residence Program is intended to offer a wide range of critical responses for our students and to foster stronger teaching and professional relationships with artists outside our faculty.

Visiting Artist/Scholar Colloquium

Art Colloquia for Critical Inquiry series brings important scholars, designers, and artists to talk on important topics in the arts. brings to American University a critical dialogue on contemporary issues in society and culture. The colloquia presents artists, art historians, curators, designers, writers, and cultural thinkers who discuss a range of topics vital to the creative and critical practice of contemporary art. The Art Colloquia for Critical Inquiry stimulates and broadens intellectual discourse at American University and serves as an educational resource for students and faculty. We encourage cross-disciplinary thinking among internal and external departments at American University. The repertoire of speakers is scheduled in advance of the academic year to insure integration into the classroom, to promote coordination with the American University Museum, and to stimulate audience development for the arts.

Day Visiting Artists

There is also an extensive series of short-term visiting artists and guest speakers open to all students at the undergraduate and graduate levels short-term visiting artists present public lectures to all students as well as conduct panel discussions, seminars, and/or group critiques.

Kinetic: Conversations in Contemporary Art

In collaboration with CAS51, the Studio Program in Department of Art is please to present Kinetic: Conversations in Contemporary Art series. Generously sponsored by CAS51, a contemporary art collectors group based in Washington, DC, the series will be presented annually for the next five years at the Katzen Center.

Kinetic: Conversations in Contemporary Art brings nationally recognized artists together with local artists, arts professionals, art students and the greater Washington, DC, cultural community to engage in critical dialogue about contemporary art and studio practice. The Kinetic series fosters the meaningful exchange of ideas through a fluid and dynamic public lecture format and student driven interactions. Each artist meets with MFA candidates in an informal, yet intensive discussion of work and creative professional practices.

Please see also: AU and CAS51 Collaborate on Art Lecture Series, recap of Leonardo Drew presentation.