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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Austin Peay State University's Department of Art + Design, with support from the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, is hosting the 58th Annual Juried Student Exhibition through April 29 in The New Gallery, featuring 55 works from 45 student artists juried by CDC Chief Design Officer Cesar Rivera.
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The multi-day festival was organized by students in APSU's Zone 3 Internship course and will welcome writers from across the country, including Makkai, her guests, Kim Brooks and Jessie Van Eerden, and Zone 3 Journal Editor's Prize winners Francesca Leader, Nicole Yurcaba, and Jacob Vaus.
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Prihodova is a curator, artist, and arts administrator with over a decade of experience working across academic galleries and international cultural institutions.
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