The MIT Student Arts Programs offers programs, resources, and opportunities in the arts for all MIT students, regardless of discipline. The programs support the artistic practice of both undergraduate and graduate students by providing access to exhibition space, community, funding, training, mentorship, tools, work space, and more. Specific programs include the Arts Scholars, a select group of students who share a special interest in the arts and attend expert-guided events, produce arts exhibitions, and receive mentorship. The Arts Entrepreneurship Initiative is designed to encourage arts-focused startups at the Institute by offering interested students mentorship, work space, funding, workshops, and a chance to find collaborators. The Student Art Association provides hands-on instruction and studio experience in the arts for all levels in a range of media.
Starting October 2019, the MIT Student Art Programs welcomes new manager Shannon Rose McAuliffe. Ms. McAuliffe graduated from BU’s Arts Administration program in 2017, and was the recipient of the Award for Excellence in Graduate Studies. She comes to MIT from the Handel and Haydn Society, the longest continually-running performing arts organization in the United States. Prior to her work with the Handel and Haydn Society, she served as the Interim Development Manager at Emmanuel Music, and worked as a Senior Faculty and Student Support Administrator in the BU College of Fine Arts online programs in Music Education and Art Education. She also co-instructs graduate-level courses in Arts Policy/Advocacy and Grantwriting through Boston University.
Ms. McAuliffe earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Music History and Voice from the University of Massachusetts, and completed graduate studies in Historical Performance and Musicology at Boston University. She maintains an active freelance career, including operatic and choral engagements with the Henry Purcell Society of Boston, Kontrabande Baroque Orchestra, Nahant Music Festival, Boston Opera Collaborative, Helios Early Opera, Cappella Clausura, Music at Marsh Chapel, the University of Massachusetts Bach Festival, and the Hans Zimmer Live tour. She currently sings as a staff chorister at the Church of the Redeemer in Chestnut Hill, and is the founder and co-director of Festina, an all-professional vocal chamber music ensemble.
The MIT Student Art Programs are offered by the Office of the Provost with additional support from the Council for the Arts at MIT.