Enriching Middle Tennessee's Arts & Culture for 40 Years
Since 1985, the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA, pronounced "seek-ah") has been the cultural cornerstone of Austin Peay State University and Middle Tennessee. As a dynamic arts hub, we bring creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence to the Clarksville community and beyond.
What We Offer
Programs & Events
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Public concerts and performances
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Art exhibitions and galleries
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Guest artist lectures
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Professional masterclasses
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Innovative workshops
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Artist residency programs
Academic Support
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Student scholarships for emerging artists
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Faculty research opportunities
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Professional development resources
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Hands-on learning experiences
All CECA events are free and open to the community unless otherwise noted. Join us in celebrating the arts and fostering creative excellence in Middle Tennessee.
Creative Arts Areas at Austin Peay
The Department offers comprehensive studies in:
- Drawing and Painting
- Digital Media
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Photography
- Ceramics
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Art Education
Housed in the Department of Languages & Literature, our writing program features:
- Undergraduate and graduate courses
- Small, intimate class sizes
- Internship opportunities
- Scholarship programs
- Active creative community
A cornerstone of Clarksville's cultural landscape, offering:
- Performance opportunities
- Professional training
- Community engagement
- Concert series
- Ensemble experiences
Features state-of-the-art facilities and programs focusing on:
- Performance arts
- Technical theatre
- Dance studies
- Professional development
- Community outreach
Latest News
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Based on director Padraic Lillis' award-winning one-man show, the film blends live performance elements with narrative cinematic storytelling in an intimate conversation about suicide, addiction, and the importance of sharing stories in our darkest moments.
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The Department of Music, with support from the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, will present the opera "The Medium" at 7:30 p.m. on April 24 and 25 in Mabry Concert Hall, with both performances free and open to the public.
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Austin Peay State University creative writing students recently traveled to Chicago for an immersive literary experience with Pulitzer Prize finalist Rebecca Makkai, the 2025-2026 Roy Acuff Chair of Excellence, visiting the American Writers Museum, Chicago's Literary Hall of Fame, and the historic Fine Arts Building.
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