The Arts at Amherst Initiative is a cross-disciplinary partnership whose mission is to foster participation in the arts at Amherst College by supporting collaboration across disciplines, facilitating conversations about the arts within the context of the liberal arts mission, and hosting leading artists from around the world. To foster the development of collaborative arts programming and a lively arts community, the Arts at Amherst Initiative Steering Committee provides funding opportunities to Amherst faculty and staff for collaborative projects, provides free guest housing for visiting artists at the Bailey Brown House, and runs a monthly arts programming series. 

In Case You Missed It: Campus Art for All Inaugural Exhibition

Yellow text on a black background reads: Campus Art for All Inaugural Exhibition. February 6 2023. Valentine Weiller Wing. 5PM: Hors d'oevres. 5:30 pm: remarks by Anthony Melting Tallow. 6PM: Performance by the Slippers Quartet.

In 2023, AAI became a funding body for a new campus organization called Campus Art for All, in support of their idea for an exhibition of community made art in Valentine Dining Hall. The Initiative proudly presented the opening of CAFA's vision on February 6 in Valentine's Weiller Wing with an evening of hors d'oeuvres, music, and special remarks by our guest, Anthony Melting Tallow. The event was a terrific success, with appearances made by many members of the Amherst Community including President Michael Elliott. 

For more information on the artwork, the exhibition booklet can be found here. The exhibition will remain in Val throughout the semester. 

Never miss another AAI event by signing up for our mailing list! Receive regular arts related newsletters and stay up to date on events happening across all your favorite departments. 

Any questions can be directed towards our Arts Coordinator, Sienna McCulley, at arts@amherst.edu. 

 

 

A crowd of students sitting and standing in the back of the powerhouse clapping

Join the Mailing List

Sign up for the Arts at Amherst Initiative (AAI) eNewsletter to hear about upcoming AAI-sponsored arts events and funding opportunities!

Apply for Guest Housing

Photograph of print by Kevin Pomerleau of two boots walking up carpeted stairs
Print by local artist Kevin Pomerleau

Artist Residencies

As part of the Initiative’s mission to connect artists with the broader Amherst community, we provide short-term housing for visiting artists at the Bailey Brown House. The Bailey Brown House provides a no-cost flexible housing option for any department or program bringing a visiting artist to campus.

Guest Housing

Apply for Funding Support

Image of the Mead Art Museum's Dimensionism Exhibit with a small black sculpture in the foreground

Supporting Collaboration

The Arts at Amherst Initiative offers funding for programs that promote cross-disciplinary collaboration and connect artists with the broader Amherst community. We welcome applications from all Amherst faculty and staff. Stay tuned for Fall 2022 priority deadline

funding support
A two-story brick building with black shutters and a white door

AAI FY22 and 21 Annual Reports

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the Arts at Amherst Initiative had numerous successes over the past two fiscal years. Read about our various projects and programming, including the reopening of the Bailey Brown House in November of 2021.