Featured Programs

More than presenting work, the Center for the Arts is a hub for visiting artists to incubate new work, access the resources of Wesleyan University, develop partnerships across campus, and nourish academic innovation.

Dancer on knees on deck of boat leaning over with head on ground - mobile version

Dancer on knees on deck of boat leaning over with head on ground

Spring 2026 Featured Programs

The Center for the Arts’ featured projects include exhibitions, performances, public programs, as well as workshops, festivals, and series.

On left: A green and white, textured background displays a silhouetted, leaping figure and the foliage of a tree. In the center "Ways to Move: Black Insurgent Grammars / x / Jonathan González" appears in white text. In the bottom right corner "Ugly Duckling Presse" is written in white text.

AFTERWORDS

AFTERWORDS is the Center for the Arts’ annual public program series, asking: what happens after the encounter with the work of art?

Dancer moving under large sheet with other people lying on floor and sitting against back wall

dArK oXyGen

A sonic dance exploring choreographies of breath, inspired by deep-ocean oxygen production where sunlight cannot reach.

Robert Lostutter and Kristi Cavataro

A cross-generational exhibition pairing Lostutter’s paintings and drawings with Cavataro’s stained glass sculptural works.

The Blooming Mirror

An exhibition exploring cycles of growth, reflection, and renewal through immersive visual works and interdisciplinary storytelling.

People seen from behind in front of fence on rooftop looking down at street

In Process

A development residency program where visiting artists create new work in collaboration with Wesleyan students and faculty.

WesGrooves

A community dance party featuring global social dance styles, beginner workshops, and live or recorded music. All are welcome.

Wesleyan Jazz Orchestra Weekend

A multi-day celebration bringing world-class musicians, rising artists, and students together for a vibrant exchange of jazz.

45th annual Middletown Public Schools Art Exhibition

Celebrate K–12 creativity at the 45th annual Middletown Public Schools Art Exhibition, presented with community partners.

Visiting Artist Partnerships

Dancer on floor reaching toward sheet suspended above with other people sitting and lying down in background

Visiting Artist Partnerships

The Center for the Arts is committed to the catalytic role visiting artists can have on building relationships across disciplines to develop new forms of knowledge that meet urgent questions facing the present and future world we create together. Learn more about our artist-led approach to curating and creating new work.

Detail of interior of galllery with limestone walls and large windows showing trees outside

Ezra and Cecile Zilkha Gallery

The Zilkha Gallery presents groundbreaking exhibitions that explore contemporary issues, often through interdisciplinary approaches.

Visit the Zilkha Gallery

Upcoming Events

More Events