Published on: Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Discover the Evolution of the University of the Arts: From its Humble Beginnings to Its Sudden Closure

The University of the Arts, a prestigious institution in Philadelphia, has been a respected name in the arts education sector for over a century. Established in 1876, the university has a rich history woven with the threads of art, music, and performance. Its journey from its inception to its sudden closure in 2024 is a story worthy of acknowledgment.

A Brief History of the University of the Arts

Founded in 1876, the University of the Arts has a glorious past. Initially, it was formed by the merger of two pioneering institutions, the Philadelphia College of Art and the Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts. Over the years, the university has significantly expanded its programs, today offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as design, fine arts, media arts, music, dance, and theater.

Inspiration Lab: A Grant for Emerging Artists

The University of the Arts has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a Grants for Arts Projects award. This grant will support the university's Inspiration Lab (iLAB) Artist-in-Residence program, providing emerging and mid-career artists with opportunities to showcase their creativity across various disciplines.

Sudden Closure: A Shocking Twist

On May 31, 2024, the University of the Arts announced its sudden closure, effective June 7, 2024. This abrupt decision came hours after the Middle States Commission on Higher Education withdrew its accreditation, citing the institution's failure to inform the commission of its closure plans in a timely manner.

Admissions and Academics

Before its closure, the University of the Arts offered 22 undergraduate majors, 20 minors, and various graduate and professional programs. Students interested in arts education can explore the university's website for information on admissions, planning a visit, financial aid, and more.

A Legacy that Lives On

As the University of the Arts closes its doors, its legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists. Despite its sudden and unexpected closure, the institution's impact on the arts education sector will be remembered for years to come.

Find out more about 'Discover the Evolution of the University of the Arts: From its Humble Beginnings to Its Sudden Closure'

Drexel Welcomes University of the Arts Students with UArts-Drexel ...

Drexel University is committed to supporting students currently enrolled or just starting their college experience at the University of the Arts as they ...

About UArts | University of the Arts

Learn about UArts, the only arts school in America that offers interdisciplinary programs across design, fine arts, media arts, music, dance, theater and writing. Explore our history, mission, values, leadership, facilities, centers, galleries and performance spaces.

Philadelphia’s University of the Arts Announces Sudden Closing

The University of Arts main building in Philadelphia on Sunday. The school, which has 1,149 students enrolled, and nearly 700 faculty and staff, has announced that it will close June 7.

Academics | University of the Arts

UArts is a Philadelphia-based arts school that offers 22 undergraduate majors, 20 minors and various graduate and professional programs. Learn how to explore your creative potential and collaborate across disciplines at UArts.

University of the Arts

University of the Arts has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a Grants for Arts Projects award. This grant will support the university’s Inspiration Lab (iLAB) Artist-in-Residence program for emerging and mid-career artists who demonstrate strong professional creative practices across a broad range of disciplines, including visual arts, new media, performance ...

Admissions | University of the Arts

Everything you need to know to begin your journey at UArts, including admissions, planning a visit, financial aid and more.

University of the Arts - Profile, Rankings and Data | US News Best Colleges

University of the Arts is a private institution that was founded in 1876. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,170 (fall 2022), its setting is urban, and the campus size is 18 acres.

History | University of the Arts

Learn how the University of the Arts was created from two pioneering institutions, the Philadelphia College of Art and the Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts, in 1876. Discover how UArts became the nation's first comprehensive arts university, offering programs in design, fine arts, media arts, music, dance and theater.

University of the Arts to lose accreditation, becoming second ...

University of the Arts will close as of Friday, June 7, 2024. On Monday, June we will host separate town hall meetings for students, faculty, and staff; we will send times and details for those ...

University of the Arts announces sudden closure - Inside Higher Ed

The University of the Arts, a private nonprofit institution in Philadelphia, announced late Friday that it would close on June 7. The institution’s announcement came hours after the Middle States Commission on Higher Education withdrew its accreditation, saying UArts had “failed to inform the commission of closure in a timely manner or to properly plan for closure with prior approval ...

Editorial: The shocking end of the University of the Arts.

The University of the Arts announced abruptly on May 31 that it would be closing. (Monica Herndon/The Philadelphia Inquirer) By The Editorial Board | Chicago Tribune. June 5, 2024 at 5:00 a.m. On ...