The College of Fine Arts and Communication’s annual Summer at the Center Arts Festival is back and keeping the arts accessible for all ages with a month-long series of exhibitions and performances.

The multidisciplinary arts and performance festival takes shape this year through America 250: Voices of a Nation—an exploration of the evolving American story through performance, film, visual arts and community engagement in honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Summer at the Center Arts Festival America 250: Voices of a Nation takes place June 11 – July 11.

Whether you’re looking for an invigorating night at the theater or a thought-provoking afternoon exploring a gallery, the festival has something for you, your friends and your family.

This year’s celebration offers a breadth of free or low-cost, family-friendly programming through the voices and artistry of TU alumni, faculty, students and the greater Maryland professional arts community.

Read on to learn more about the festival and plan your visit.

1776: The Musical

The fully staged production of 1776 reimagines the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Reclaiming a narrative historically told exclusively by men, the production features a multiracial ensemble of women-presenting actors who portray the nation’s founders.

While 1776 performances are sold-out to the general public, if you are a TU alumnus and are a TU faculty or staff member you can buy tickets here.

  • Location: Mainstage Theatre
  • Dates: Friday, June 12, 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 13, 7 p.m.

Working with such a diverse group of people is so inspiring and meaningful. The talent and dedication that are brought to this program continue to amaze me.

MAGEN CORNACCHIONE, STAGE MANAGER FOR 1776

Vital Beauty – Narrative Through the American Body

Centering the experiences of Black people, this exhibition poses the question, “How does the individual body’s search for historical truth become embodied?”

Demonstrated through a range of artistic media, the works showcase narratives of resistance, endurance and lived memory.

  • Location: Center for the Arts Gallery
  • Dates: June 12 – July 11 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Opening reception and artist talk: June 11, 6-8 p.m.

People Get Ready: A Century of Posters Exhibition | A Visual Legacy of Black American Joy and the Struggle for Civil Rights

Featuring work from Globe Poster Printing Corporation—once one of the nation’s largest showcard printers—this exhibition highlights the powerful visual legacy of Black American music and its resounding connections to cultural expression and civil rights.

  • Location: Asian Arts Gallery
  • Dates: June 12 – July 11, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Your patronage empowers arts professionals

Summer at the Center Arts festivals support regional artists, filmmakers, performers and local businesses, which continues to broaden opportunities at TU for dialogue, education and connection.

From performing music in 1776 to working on production crews and curating and installing gallery exhibitions, students played a vital role in the creation of this year’s festival.

Theatre major Magen Cornacchione—one of the 20 students in paid roles—grew her skills and gained real-world experience as the stage manager for 1776.

“Working with such a diverse group of people is so inspiring and meaningful. The talent and dedication that are brought to this program continue to amaze me,” Cornacchione says. “I truly believe this is an experience like no other, and I hope future students will have the opportunity to work on a show with Summer at the Center.”

Putting their skills into practice and gaining paid professional experience at the undergraduate level is an opportunity students don’t encounter every day.

“Support empowers them to build confidence, develop their craft and take the next step in their creative journeys,” says Regina Carlow, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication and musical director of 1776.

With more than 50 alumni participating and 75-plus TU students supporting programming through paid roles, this year’s festival is fueled by passion and a true labor of love from our Tigers.