About the Institute for the Arts
The Institute celebrates the rich artistic legacy of Mississippi and its global impact.
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Welcome to the Institute for the Arts
Nancy Maria Balach
Director, Institute for the Arts
Creative Cross Pollination
Art & Art History
The Department of Art and Art History is committed to developing a foundation for understanding art history and studio art methodologies through a focus on hands-on, practical, and theoretical approaches. Students develop skills in analysis, critical thinking, creativity, and communication. They learn to collaborate with others on projects, engage in meaningful discussions, and express ideas across different mediums.
Music
The Department of Music provides students with an environment that supports academic and artistic growth while striving to cultivate a vibrant musical community that celebrates diversity, fosters creativity, and enriches the cultural fabric of our university and beyond. Music students work closely with faculty and peers as they perform, research, engage with the community, and develop relationships that prepare them to be successful leaders, scholars, and artists.
Theatre & Film
Theatre and Film students cultivate a diverse set of skills, including analysis, critical thinking, creativity, and communication. By exploring the complexities of character development, visual storytelling, and the impact of both live theatre and film on society, students acquire invaluable skills in interpretation, analysis, and expression.
Faculty and Staff Collaborators
Joshua Brinlee
- Associate Professor of Art
John Carden
- Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre
Keith Davis
- Instructional Assistant Professor of Film Production
Andrea Drummond
- Program Coordinator (Communications)
Sarah Hennigan
- Interim Chair of Theatre and Film and Associate Professor of Film Production
Armee Hong
- Instructor in Upper Strings
Joe Jackson
- Instructional Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre Dance
Vincent Morreale
- Instructor in Horn
Kelsey Smith
- Instructor in Cello
Theresa Starkey
- Instructional Professor in Gender Studies and Associate Director of the Isom Center
Lance Yates
- Instructional Assistant Professor of Art Education and Studio Art
Partnerships
Outreach
The Office of Pre-College Programs offers programs, events, and competitions that have been designed to challenge talented K-12 students to experience academic rigor and success at levels above what is expected of their age group.
The variety of programs and activities in our office encourage students to strengthen skills and to grow academically and personally, providing them the necessary tools to bridge the gap between levels and to help them succeed in their next academic level.
Living Music Resource
LMR's innovative approach combines education and entertainment with a mission to share information and engage globally. LMR’s events connect people with acclaimed professionals both in person and via the web through arts and culture, intellectual growth, human connection, and understanding. LMR Live has raised the visibility of the LOU community through its international viewing audience through our live-streamed events. LMR is dedicated to bringing acclaimed professionals to Mississippi as well as showcasing Mississippi artists. The Music Research Revolution Continues!
University of Mississippi Foundation