Fostering an active community of MIT students with an exceptional interest in the arts.
The MIT Arts Scholars program is a group of undergraduate and graduate students at MIT who share a deep passion for the arts, whether as active creators or dedicated connoisseurs. The collective is invited to participate in a wide range of arts experiences and exclusive opportunities both on and off campus, thoughtfully curated and supported by the Office of the Arts with generous support from the Council for the Arts at MIT.
Sign up to receive notifications of events and to track your participation and progress toward becoming an Arts Scholar. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to deepen your connection with the arts at MIT.
How to Participate: Sign Up Here
MIT undergraduates and graduates enrolled in any course of study are invited to participate in the MIT Arts Scholars Program.
Upcoming MIT Arts Scholars Events
From soulful live performances to curated museum tours, join us for a season of exciting events. Experience them with a community that shares your passion and curiosity for the arts.
Arts Scholars x Japan Society of Boston: Suminagashi Workshop
Kick off the most creative time of the year at MIT (= IAP) with a meditative hands-on workshop on Suminagashi—the traditional Japanese art of paper marbling. Led by experts from the Japan Society of Boston, this session explores the history of the art practice while guiding members in creating stunning and one-of-the-kind Suminagashi designs to take home.
January 17, 2025
MIT Campus
An Evening of Jazz with Wynton Marsalis
Members are invited to attend a concert of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and legendary trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. The evening will feature a dynamic program of jazz standards, timeless 20th-century classics, and original compositions.
January 22, 2025
Boston
Arts Scholars x Hannah: Paint Making Workshop
Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to make watercolor paint from scratch. Discover the joy of hand-mixing natural pigments with binder to create vibrant, ready-to-use colors for your canvas. Prepare to get a little messy and have a lot of fun! The session will be led by fellow Arts Scholar and artist Hannah Gazdus, a graduate student in the MechE department with over seven years of experience in paintmaking.
January 28, 2025
MIT Campus
Arts Scholars x Harvard Art Museums: A Tour Through Art and Color
Discover the Harvard Art Museums through a private guided tour of their galleries and learn how the legacy of art is preserved and reimagined for future generations. As part of this exclusive collaboration, gain rare access to the Forbes Pigment Collection—a kaleidoscopic archive of color that has shaped the art world for centuries. Though its active role in conservation limits entry, this visit offers a profound connection to the materials that define art’s essence.
This outing is paired perfectly with the paint-making workshop, both offer an in-depth, expert-led exploration of the materials and techniques that bring colors to life.
January TBD, 2025
Boston
Arts Scholars x Reuning & Son Violins: A Rare Insider’s Tour
Step into the world of extraordinary craftsmanship with an unparalleled opportunity to tour the Reuning & Son Violins workshop in Brookline. Revered globally for their collection of instruments, This rare invitation grants access to their working workshop, a space steeped in tradition and artistry where master luthiers breathe life into wood, shaping violins that resonate on the stages of the world’s greatest concert halls.. Engage in conversations with luthiers whose hands restore the voices of both student instruments and those of virtuosos. The experience culminates with a thoughtful reception, inviting you to reflect on the delicate interplay of skill, dedication, and artistry that elevates music itself. This is more than a tour—it’s a moment to witness where passion meets perfection.
February 3, 2025
Brookline
Arts Scholars x LIST: An Exclusive First Look with Pedro Gómez-Egaña
Gather at our very own MIT’s List Visual Arts Center for a behind-the-scenes tour of The Great Learning, the upcoming exhibition by Pedro Gómez-Egaña. Discover the artistry and intricate details behind his dynamic vision and large-scale installations. Following the tour, enjoy a private Arts Scholars-only reception where you’ll have the opportunity to meet the artist, catch up with fellow members, and reflect on the work of a visionary redefining the boundaries of contemporary art.
February 12, 2025
MIT Campus
Fireside Chat: Guest composer Patrick Harlin & Dr. Susan Solomon
Something special is in the works—stay tuned.
February 21, 2025
MIT Campus
A Friday Evening with Lang Lang at Symphony Hall
Known for his technical brilliance and expressive artistry, Lang Lang brings to life a repertoire that has captivated audiences around the globe. Arts Scholars will enjoy prime seating on the first balcony, close to the stage, offering an unparalleled view of his performance of Romantic-era masterpieces by Schubert, Schumann, and Chopin—a treat for both seasoned aficionados and those new to the genre.
As part of the evening, there is the possibility of a guided tour of Symphony Hall, tailored to provide insights into its rich history and legendary acoustics for the Arts Scholars.
February 28, 2025
Boston
Roundtable with the Maestra: Alyssa Wang
After her visit in the fall, Alyssa Wang, Assistant Conductor of Boston Ballet, returns to MIT for a private roundtable with the Arts Scholars. This pre-show talk will focus on the musical and creative process behind Boston Ballet’s highly anticipated Swan Lake. Drawing on her experience as a conductor, violinist, and composer, Alyssa will share insights into her role in shaping the production, from interpreting Tchaikovsky’s iconic score to working with the dancers, musicians, and creative minds who coming together to bring the ballet to the stage. The discussion will offer you a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in creating a production of this scale, highlighting the craft, precision, and collaboration at the heart of this enduring masterpiece.
March TBD, 2025
MIT Campus
Arts Scholars x Boston Ballet: Swan Lake
Tickets have been reserved for members to enjoy Boston Ballet’s Swan Lake, described by Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen as “one of the world’s most iconic and beloved classical ballets. This production showcases the depth of talent within our Company, from the principal roles to the precision of the iconic corps de ballet scenes. The second act is one of the greatest pieces of corps de ballet choreography. It’s absolutely brilliant. One huge spectacle.”
March 5, 2025
Boston
Theater and Insight: A Man of No Importance with a Director Talkback
The Arts Scholars are invited to take a trip to the South End and 1960s Dublin through A Man of No Importance, a deeply moving musical. At its heart is Alfie Byrne, a bus conductor whose passion for theatre drives him to stage Oscar Wilde’s Salome in his local church. With humor, tenderness, and unforgettable songs, the story celebrates community, identity, and the quiet bravery it takes to embrace one’s true self. After the performance, members will take part in an exclusive talkback with Assistant Director Isaac Tardy, who will share insights into the creative process and the decisions that give this story its emotional resonance.
March 22, 2025
Boston
Arts Scholars x Boston Athenaeum: A Private Tour of Stories and Treasures
Explore the historic Boston Athenaeum on a private guided tour organized exclusively for the Arts Scholars. Step into the rich history and architectural beauty of one of the nation’s oldest independent libraries, a renowned center of culture and scholarship since 1807. This special visit includes an expert-led viewing of the Athenaeum’s remarkable special collections. Discover rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts that have profoundly shaped cultural and literary history.
March TBD, 2025
Boston
Back by Popular Demand: Tufting Workshop
Dive into the art of tufting in this highly requested, 100% hands-on fiber arts workshop. Led by professional instructors, this session covers the fundamentals of tufting, combining skill-building with the excitement of crafting your own rug. The highlight of the workshop is creating alongside fellow Arts Scholars—friends who share your passion for creativity—in a fun and supportive environment. Perfect for first timers!
April TBD, 2025
Boston
Arts Scholars Walk with Photographer & Editing Session
Something special is in the works—stay tuned.
April TBD, 2025
Boston
Arts Scholars x MFA: Van Gogh
Join fellow members for a very private tour of the Museum of Fine Arts on a quiet Tuesday afternoon, when the museum is closed to the public. This intimate experience provides a rare opportunity to explore Van Gogh: The Roulin Family Portraits in a serene and focused setting. Guided by experts, the tour will delve into the artistry, technique, and personal stories behind these iconic works, revealing Van Gogh’s passion for modern portraiture and his extraordinary ability to capture the humanity of his subjects with vivid, expressive detail.
April TBD, 2025
Boston
Arts Scholars Spring Field Trip
Something special is in the works—stay tuned.
April TBD, 2025
Boston
Arts Scholars x Boston Pops
Something special is in the works—stay tuned.
May TBD, 2025
Boston
Arts Scholars x Longwood Symphony Orchestra
The final outing of the year takes the Arts Scholars to a performance by the Longwood Symphony Orchestra. Composed of healthcare and STEM professionals, the LSO demonstrates the powerful harmony between scientific careers and a deep passion for music—a connection shared by many Arts Scholars. The concert program features Florence Price’s Adoration and Rachmaninoff’s majestic Symphony No. 2. After the concert, members will have the opportunity to meet the musicians, learn about their unique paths blending science and the arts, and reflect on the inspiring relationship between these two worlds.
May 10, 2025
Boston
Arts Scholars End of Year Celebration!
As spring fades into summer, the Arts Scholars will gather for an evening of celebration and reflection. This final dinner of the season marks the close of a year filled with artistic discovery and shared experiences—a chance to share stories and revisit favorite moments.
The evening will also recognize the new Arts Scholars for the energy and participation they’ve brought to the program. It’s a time to look back on the season’s highlights and raise a glass to the endless possibilities ahead!
May TBD, 2025
MIT Campus
Past Events
End of Term Dinner
Celebrate the end of the semester on the last day of classes with great company, delicious food, and a preview of Spring 2025!
December 11, 2024
MIT Campus
Movies Night: GATTACA
Coolidge Corner Theatre’s Science on Screen® series creatively pairs screenings of classic, cult, and documentary films with lively introductions by notable figures from the world of science, technology, and medicine.
Attend a special Science on Screen® screening of the sci-fi classic GATTACA (Presented in 35mm!) at the iconic Coolidge Corner Theatre, featuring an in-depth introduction by molecular epidemiologist and Harvard professor, Immaculata DeVivo. Professor DeVivo will offer unique insights into the scientific themes explored in the film.
December 9, 2024
Brookline
The Nutcracker
In Boston, The Nutcracker is much more than a holiday show—it is a cherished tradition and a dazzling celebration of artistry. This spectacular production features some of the most technically challenging choreography in classical ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score. The Arts Scholars will come together to experience this beloved holiday classic, sharing in the shimmering wonder and timeless magic that has captivated audiences for generations.
December 4, 2024
Boston
The Nutcracker Special: Roundtable with the Maestra
An exclusive opportunity to meet Alyssa Wang, Assistant Conductor of the Boston Ballet, ahead of the Arts Scholars’ visit to The Nutcracker. Beloved for its charm and significance in the ballet repertoire, this historical score will be explored through Alyssa’s fresh perspective as a conductor. She will provide insights into the intricate behind-the-scenes work that brings the production to life, including musical interpretation, dancer coordination, and the complex synchronization between the orchestra and the stage. Alyssa will also discuss how the production evolves each year, blending modern innovations with its storied legacy.
As a young, multifaceted musician and trailblazer in her field, Alyssa’s career is a source of inspiration, highlighted by her role as Co-Founder, Artistic Director, and Principal Conductor of the Boston Festival Orchestra.
December 3, 2024
Cambridge
Concert & Conversation with the Berliner Philharmoniker at Goethe
The evening will begin with a concert featuring a Violin Trio and a Clarinet Quartet from the Berlin Philharmonic. This will be followed by a conversation with Boston Symphony Orchestra CEO Chad Smith and Berlin Philharmonic General Manager Andrea Zietzschmann about the responsibilities of large ensembles to connect with new audiences and communities, their organizations’ approaches to community engagement and education, and their priorities for the future. You are also invited to meet and connect with Boston-area educators, musicians, and students dedicated to making a difference.
November 21, 2024
Boston
Berliner Philharmoniker at Symphony Hall
The world-renowned Berliner Philharmoniker returns to Boston with Music Director Kirill Petrenko as part of their highly anticipated 2024 U.S. tour. Experience the awe-inspiring power and intricate beauty of Bruckner’s Fifth Symphony in this unforgettable evening, presented by the Celebrity Series of Boston.
November 20, 2024
Boston
Dinner & Artists’ Guided Tour: The Interdisciplinarity of Sustainability
Join us for an evening of dinner, dialogue, and discovery at the heart of MIT with a guided tour of the Interwoven exhibition in the Wiesner Gallery. Meet MIT artists and scholars who bridge engineering and the arts to address climate change, bringing people together across disciplines to explore sustainability and reimagine academic boundaries.
November 15, 2024
Cambridge
Private Tufting Workshop: A Hands-On Exploration of Fiber Arts
Step into the world of tufting within a friendly and supportive setting. This private session introduces the fundamentals of tufting, offering a stress-relieving experience that blends skill-building with the joy of crafting a one-of-a-kind personal masterpiece.
November 3, 2024
Boston
Drawing After Modernism: Tour and Workshop with Jonathan Duval
MIT Museum Curator Jonathan Duval leads a tour and workshop focused on the Drawing After Modernism exhibition. The session will explore how architects like Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid utilized drawing as an essential tool for creative expression, redefining architectural conventions and pushing the boundaries of modernist traditions in the 1970s and 1980s.
October 17, 2024
Cambridge
MFA Closed House Guided Tour + Afternoon Tea
Join us for a *very* private guided tour of the current exhibitions at the Museum of Fine Arts on a quiet Tuesday afternoon, when the museum is closed to the public. Following the tour, enjoy a casual chat over candid reviews and discussions of the art with fellow scholars.
October 8, 2024
Boston
Mamma Mia! + Talkback
Chosen by the MIT Arts Scholars through a member vote, the group will attend MAMMA MIA! at Citizens Opera House. This beloved musical, celebrated for nearly 25 years, brings together heartwarming characters, a captivating story, and unforgettable ABBA hits, making it the ultimate feel-good experience. Following the performance, the group will enjoy an especially arranged exclusive talkback with the cast and crew.
October 1, 2024
Boston
Arts Scholars Dinner with Artist: Jeanette Andrews
The first Arts Scholars + Artist Dinner of the season, featuring magician and CAST Visiting Artist Jeanette Andrews. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with the awe-inspiring artist in a relaxed and conversational setting right here on campus.
September 26, 2024
MIT Campus
Welcome Back Picnic
Reconnect with fellow members, share your ideas for the program, and be among the first to see the full reveal of our Fall events lineup while enjoying refreshments and fun snacks. We’ll also be holding a vote for an upcoming outing and a live ticket lottery!
September 10, 2024
MIT Campus
Boston Pops Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert
Kick off the season at Symphony Hall with the Boston Pops. Enjoy the magic of this iconic film’s score live, followed by an exclusive meet-and-greet with Maestro Keith Lockhart.
September 5, 2024
Boston