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Student Involvement

Two student curators standing in front of textile artwork on wall
At Wesleyan, the arts aren’t confined to the stage or studio, they’re everywhere, and they belong to everyone. Whether you’re a studio art major, a musician, a curious student in another department, or simply someone who loves being part of creative culture, the Center for the Arts is your space to explore, experiment, and grow.

Student Opportunities

The Center for the Arts is a living, working arts center where students shape what happens next. You don’t need to wait until after graduation to be part of the professional arts world—you can dive in now. 

  • Join the Center for the Arts team and gain paid, professional experience in curating, production, event support, and more 
  • Take a deep dive into the arts through class visits, exhibition tours, and conversations with visiting artists  
  • Get hands-on with real-world projects: install gallery exhibitions, manage live events, or work in tech and venue support  
  • Grow your network by attending artist talks, salons, workshops, and performances open to the entire campus 
  • Contribute your perspective by applying to join our Director’s Council, a group of student ambassadors helping shape the future of arts at Wesleyan 
Two seated students assist visitor at outside table with programs

Work With Us

Student employment at the Center for the Arts offers hands-on experience, mentorship from professionals, and the chance to gain valuable skills in leadership, project management, and production.
See Open Positions

Director’s Council

The Director’s Council is a student collective, advised by the Director of the Center for the Arts, that participates in setting the vision for the arts at Wesleyan. Members act as ambassadors and agents of arts engagement, drawing together different disciplines and sparking creative collaboration. 

Council members: 

  • Envision the Center for the Arts' future 
  • Integrate the arts across campus life and academics 
  • Build community through programs and initiatives  
  • Operate as a self-governed group, setting their own annual agenda 

Interested in applying? Visit Handshake or contact Joshua Lubin-Levy.

Theater Technicians and Venue Managers

Work behind the scenes in the Center for the Arts' vibrant performing arts spaces. These roles support rehearsals and productions through lighting, sound, stagecraft, and front-of-house management. Perfect for students curious about production and live performance environments. 

Gallery and Curatorial Assistants

Dive into the world of contemporary art. These positions assist in the installation of exhibitions, research and writing, and supporting visiting artists. You'll work closely with the curatorial team in the Ezra and Cecile Zilkha Gallery and beyond. 

Programming Assistants

Support public-facing events and artist residencies across the Center for the Arts. From organizing schedules to helping audiences feel welcome, these roles are perfect for students interested in event planning, arts administration, and building community through the arts. 

Arts Education Interns 

Wesleyan student-docents receive training in gallery education and arts engagement, then apply those skills by leading interactive programs for K–12 school groups. Through this experience, student-docents gain real-world teaching experience and help make the arts accessible to young visitors.

Studio Art Monitors

Student monitors provide support and instruction to students using the Digital Design Studio, Studio Art Photography Darkroom, and Studio Art Woodshop. Student staff help maintain a safe use of a wide range of equipment and provide guidance to students working on both curricular and independent projects. 

Student Leaders in the Arts

Two students behind table with handouts talk to man seen from behind with other people standing and talking in the background while man behind table on right talks to another

Student Leaders in the Arts

The Director’s Council is a student-led collective that shapes our future through creative leadership, collaborative programming, and community-building across the arts.

Students at the Heart of the Arts

  • Two students drawing musician on platform with cello and harmonica

    Wesleyan students from the Center for the Arts’ Director’s Council hosted their first novice-friendly, interdisciplinary “Make As You Are” event, combining music and visual arts, in the Art Workshop in fall 2024.

  • Student leads activity with six younger students on gallery floor in front of large painting on wall

    Center for the Arts student-docents offer workshops and tours to fourth graders in conjunction with the first institutional solo exhibition by artist Justin Caguiat, "Triple Solitaire," which immersed the viewers in paintings and soundworks.

  • Students seated at table with paper and glue guns assisting visitors with project

    The CFA celebrated its 50th birthday with a party, featuring activities curated or led by Wesleyan students, including building human-size paper flowers with Deborah Goffe MA ’19 for a performance of Scapegoat Garden’s work "Liturgy|Order|Bridge."

  • Student introduces another student to instruments from world music collection

    The CFA celebrated its 50th birthday with a party, featuring activities curated or led by Wesleyan students, including a world music jam with instruments from one of the Wesleyan Music Department’s many world music ensembles.