USC Aiken's tradition of providing thoughtful activities, performances, and education in the fine and performing arts has enriched the community and surrounding region since its inception in 1961. Whether preparing for a career as an artist, teacher, actor, or scholar, a student wanting to learn, develop or refine artistic skills, or a patron seeking continuing education in the arts, the Department of Visual and Performing Arts offers a range of programs, experiences, and courses to suit almost any area of interest. Our programs integrate intellectual scholarship and creative practice, challenge assumptions about what is possible, and empower the individual. Artists view the world from new and unique perspectives, engage in creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration to connect disparate ideas in new ways, making the world a more humane and beautiful place. Artists are often called upon to wear many hats in the practice of their craft as marketers, accountants, agents, legal experts, web designers, entrepreneurs, and freelancers all while being musicians, actors, and visual artists. At USC Aiken, we seek to balance creativity, knowledge, and dispositions to prepare students for careers in the arts.