The arts at MIT connect creative minds across disciplines and encourage a lifetime of exploration and self-discovery. They are rooted in experimentation, risk-taking, and imaginative problem-solving. The arts strengthen MIT’s commitment to the aesthetic, human, and social dimensions of research and innovation. Artistic knowledge, research, and creation exemplify the Institute motto—Mens et Manus (Mind and Hand).
The arts are essential to MIT’s mission to build a better society and meet the challenges of the 21st century.
For more information, email arts@mit.edu
Final report from the Future of the Arts at MIT Committee which was convened by Provost Cynthia Barnhart in order to advise the Institute on new ways to envision the place of the arts in our community.
Fall 2025
“Today, unprecedented numbers of incoming students—80 percent—arrive at MIT with deep experience in the arts, especially in music. In that context, the arts have never been more integral to the life of MIT nor more deserving of our focus and attention.” — Rafael Reif, President of MIT
Spring 2013
The arts have been a core component of the educational mission of MIT and will play an even more significant role in the future. Research at the intersections of art, science and engineering — where MIT has a competitive advantage — will determine the artistic and performative languages of the 21st century. MIT faces a strategic decision about investment in the arts and should seize the opportunity to support the creative energy that sustains the Institute’s leadership in innovation.
June 2011
Philip S. Khoury, Vice Provost and Ford International Professor of History, submits an annual Report to the President summarizing arts activities during the previous academic year (July 2024-June 2025).
2024-25
Philip S. Khoury, Vice Provost and Ford International Professor of History, submits an annual Report to the President summarizing arts activities during the previous academic year (July 2023-June 2024).
2023-24
Philip S. Khoury, Associate Provost and Ford International Professor of History, submits an annual Report to the President summarizing arts activities during the previous academic year (July 2022-June 2023).
2022-23
Philip S. Khoury, Associate Provost and Ford International Professor of History, submits an annual Report to the President summarizing arts activities during the previous academic year (July 2021-June 2022).
2021-22
Philip S. Khoury, Associate Provost and Ford International Professor of History, submits an annual Report to the President summarizing arts activities during the previous academic year (July 2020-June 2021).
2020-21
Philip S. Khoury, Associate Provost and Ford International Professor of History, submits an annual Report to the President summarizing arts activities during the previous academic year (July 2019-June 2020).
2019-20
Philip S. Khoury, Associate Provost and Ford International Professor of History, submits an annual Report to the President summarizing arts activities during the previous academic year (July 2018-June 2019).
2018-19
Philip S. Khoury, Associate Provost and Ford International Professor of History, submits an annual Report to the President summarizing arts activities during the previous academic year (July 2017-June 2018).
2017-18
Philip S. Khoury, Associate Provost and Ford International Professor of History, submits an annual Report to the President summarizing arts activities during the previous academic year (July 2016-June 2017).
2016-17
Philip S. Khoury, Associate Provost and Ford International Professor of History, submits an annual Report to the President summarizing arts activities during the previous academic year (July 2015-June 2016).
2015-16
Philip S. Khoury, Associate Provost and Ford International Professor of History, submits an annual Report to the President summarizing arts activities during the previous academic year (July 2014-June 2015).
2014-15
Philip S. Khoury, Associate Provost and Ford International Professor of History, submits an annual Report to the President summarizing arts activities during the previous academic year (July 2013-June 2014).
2013-14
Philip S. Khoury, Associate Provost and Ford International Professor of History, submits an annual Report to the President summarizing arts activities during the previous academic year (July 2012-June 2013).
2012-13
Philip S. Khoury, Associate Provost and Ford International Professor of History, submits an annual Report to the President summarizing arts activities during the previous academic year (July 2011-June 2012).
2011-12
Philip S. Khoury, Associate Provost and Ford International Professor of History, submits an annual Report to the President summarizing arts activities during the previous academic year (July 2010-June 2011).
2010-11
Philip S. Khoury, Associate Provost and Ford International Professor of History, submits an annual Report to the President summarizing arts activities during the previous academic year (July 2009-June 2010).
2009-10
MIT was founded in 1861, and is re-accredited every 10 years by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). This is the last self-study accreditation report. Access to the document requires MIT certificates.
2020