Arts & Culture
Visual, performing, and literary arts are alive and well on UMD's campus and in its Neighborhood & Beyond. Performances and gallery shows are produced regularly by the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Be sure to visit the Annual Events & Traditions page, the News and Events page for an up-to-date calendar, and the Student Activities website for a listing and descriptions of student organizations, clubs and activities.
Use your browser's scroll bar, or click on a link below to navigate to a specific section of the page.
Community denotes events or facilities not affiliated with UMass Dartmouth.
General top
AHA!
New Bedford's free downtown arts and culture night, highlighting Art, History, and Architecture. AHA! is held year-round on the second Thursday of each month from 5 - 9 p.m. (Flash required.) CVPA's Star Store Galleries are open to the public on the AHA! evenings.
Visual Art top
Annual Student Electronic Imaging Festival
The College of Visual and Performing Arts' Annual Student Electronic Imaging Festival provides a framework in which students share their creative efforts in the field of digital imaging, animation, interactive design and virtual reality with family, friends, the community as well as potential employers. The festival is held in November, on the Friday prior to Thanksgiving, from 7:30 pm, in Room 153, Group VI. Contact HGoldman@umassd.edu.
Campus Center Gallery
Located on the main campus, in the Campus Center Gallery walkway, it features a changing array of art and information.
Ceramics Club
Through lectures, discussions, a visiting artist program, field trips, slide and film presentations, ceramic exhibitions, hands-on workshops and sales of student work at club sponsored events, the Ceramics Club broadens educational access to ceramic arts for the entire UMD community, and provides materials and services at cost to its members.
Fibers Club
The Fibers Club furthers the aesthetic, cultural, technical, social and educational aspects of fiber art and textile design, through visiting artists, lectures and workshops for students.
Gallery One
Gallery One presents frequently changing exhibitions of recent student work reflecting the wide range of disciplines taught in CVPA programs. It is located within eleven glass display cases along the lower first floor corridor of Group VI, adjacent to the CVPA Campus Gallery on the Dartmouth campus.
Gallery 244
Gallery 244 is a student-run gallery featuring work by graduate students. It is located on the first floor of the Star Store building, and is open to the public throughout the day. Visitors are invited to call 508-999-8904 for details on opening receptions for individual exhibitions.
Student Sculpture Exhibition
An annual student exhibition featuring outdoor site-specific sculpture. Held each spring, the exhibition is located on the main campus, outside Group VI. Admission is free. Contact the Sculpture Department, 508-910-6662, or 508-910-6661.
University Art Gallery
The University Art Gallery, the Crapo Gallery and the Spring Street Gallery are located on 1st floor of the Star Store campus. The University Art Gallery is devoted to showing the work of international, national, and regional artists. Catalogs, lectures and other educational programming are provided in connection with each exhibition. All exhibitions and events are free and open to the public. When an exhibition is on view, the gallery is open daily September through May from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. In the summer months of June, July and August, Sunday hours are 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. For further information please call the gallery at 508-999-8555 or 508-999-8904.
Wood Club
The Wood Club expands knowledge of the aesthetic, cultural and technical aspects of woodworking and furniture making. Through visiting artists, lectures, workshops and field trips, students in the club have the opportunity to interact with artists and professionals outside their immediate academic environment.
Artworks! (Community)
A non-profit arts and community organization, Artworks! is a contemporary art center founded in 1993. The facility has art galleries, studios, a ceramics workshop, a multipurpose classroom, a teen art center with a performance area and a graphics lab with AV equipment. It hosts UMD's senior art exhibit annually.
Gallery X (Commmunity)
A contemporary art gallery of visual, performing, and literary artists, Gallery X promotes a mission of cultural outreach through community partnerships, educational programs and monthly exhibits.
Culture top
General
Different Cultural Organization
The Different Cultural Organization gives people an opportunity to make friends with people from other countries, and helps people learn and respect different cultural backgrounds.
Frederick Douglass Unity House
FDUH institutionalizes an environment which nourishes the special academic, cultural, informational and social/communal needs of students, faculty and staff of color. FDUH is open year-round and is available to all members of the UMD community.
I Am My Brother's Keeper
IAMBK is a support group for men of color. Contact Frederick Douglass Unity House, Student Line, 508-999-9149.
New Diaspora Drama Series
A monthly presentation featuring films, plays and experimental performance works by emerging and established Black, Latino and Native American artists from around the country. Held on the fourth Friday of each month at the Neighborhood College's Theatre in New Bedford. Suggested donation is $5. Hosted by Oversoul Theatre Collective and Mwalim (Prof. MJ Peters) of the English Department & African/African American Studies, 508-999-8304; mpeters@umassd.edu, oversoultheatre@comcast.net.
Sista II Sista
A support group for women of color. Contact Frederick Douglass Unity House, Student Line, 508-999-9149.
African African-American Asian Cape Verdean French Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender German Haitian Indian Japanese Jewish Latino Portuguese Top
African
African Student Association
The ASA creates a meeting ground for all African students enrolled at UMD, fostering the spirit of unity among African students that keeps with the spirit of the organization for African unity, brings African students together with students of other nationalities, brings African students into direct confrontation with the needs and problems of the continent of Africa, and creates an authentic platform for the dissemination of African culture. Contact Frederick Douglass Unity House, Student Line 508-999-9149.
The Kekeli African Drum & Dance
This UMD drum and dance community encompasses a mixture of student, staff, faculty, and community members who feel a deep connection to the music and cultures of African people. Public performances are held on the main campus, and in New Bedford as a part of the city's AHA! night. Contact royal hartigan, 508-999-8572, royaljhartigan@yahoo.com
Pan-African Dance
The Pan-African Dance group aims to foster awareness for and educate persons about the African and Pan-African culture through dance and African fashions. Contact Ajoke Bamisile, 508-999-4203, asb84@go.com
African African-American Asian Cape Verdean French Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender German Haitian Indian Japanese Jewish Latino Portuguese Top
African-American
Blue Dynasty
Blue Dynasty aims to educate the UMD community on the roots of stepping through rhythmic body movement. Contact Wendy Mathieu, 508-910-4141, u_wmathieu@umassd.edu
African African-American Asian Cape Verdean French Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender German Haitian Indian Japanese Jewish Latino Portuguese Top
Asian (Also see Indian and Japanese)
Asian Student Association
The Asian Student Association promotes understanding of Asian cultures through the examination of the histories of colonialism and immigration, and defines space for Asian Americans in the struggle for Third World Liberation.
African African-American Asian Cape Verdean French Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender German Haitian Indian Japanese Jewish Latino Portuguese Top
Cape Verdean
Cape Verdean Student Asssociation
CVSA introduces Cape Verdean culture to the UMD community, provides Cape Verdean students with personal advice in achieving their educational and cultural goals, recruits Cape Verdean and other minority students to UMD, and collaborates with the other Cape Verdean student and community organizations. Contact Frederick Douglass Unity House, Student Line, 508-999-9149.
Cape Verdean World Wide Website (Community)
The Cape Verdean World Wide Web Site is a collaborative project of the world-wide Cape Verdean community. This site is hosted at UMD. Contact Richard Leary, 401-832-1806 (W), 508-994-2903 (H), rleary@umassd.edu, or Raymond Almeida, noskunos@erols.com.
African African-American Asian Cape Verdean French Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender German Haitian Indian Japanese Jewish Latino Portuguese Top
French
Boivin Center for French Language and Culture
The Boivin Center for French Language and Culture promotes the teaching of and appreciation of French language and culture and acts as a catalyst for French studies at the university and regional levels.
African African-American Asian Cape Verdean French Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender German Haitian Indian Japanese Jewish Latino Portuguese Top
German
German American Exchange Program
The German American Exhange Program provides information for German students who are planning to attend UMass Dartmouth, and for UMass Dartmouth students who are planning to study abroad in Germany.
African African-American Asian Cape Verdean French Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender German Haitian Indian Japanese Jewish Latino Portuguese Top
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender
Pride Alliance
An all-inclusive alliance of queer people and their allies at UMD. Pride Alliance seeks to foster a safe community for all people, regardless of sexual orientation at UMD and the surrounding area. It provides education to the community, as well as social interaction and support for its members.
African African-American Asian Cape Verdean French Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender German Haitian Indian Japanese Jewish Latino Portuguese Top
Haitian
Haitian-American Student Association
HASA is a student organization addressing the needs and culture of the UMD Haitian community. Contact Frederick Douglass Unity House, Student Line, 508-999-9149.
African African-American Asian Cape Verdean French Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender German Haitian Indian Japanese Jewish Latino Portuguese Top
Indian
Center for Indic Studies
CIS highlights India's time-tested eternal values for the world's progress, peace and harmony. Cultivates relevance of ancient Indic human values through scholarly understanding and promotion. (Flash needed to view this site.)
Indian Student Association
ISA promotes the well-being of Indian students, staff and faculty, and popularizes cultural diversity by interacting with all the nationalities on campus. It organizes cultural programs, lecture series, picnics and food festivals throughout the academic year. The programs and events organized are generally free for all UMD students on campus.
African African-American Asian Cape Verdean French Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender German Haitian Indian Japanese Jewish Latino Portuguese Top
Japanese
Karate
The Athletics department offers karate classes that are open to all faculty, staff and students. No prior class registration is required. Class space available on a first come, first served basis.
Shotokan Karate Club
This club introduces members to the Shotokan style of martial arts. Classes are taught by qualified Black Belt instructors. Membership is open to the UMD community. The club participates in at least one competition per semester and is a member of the New England Collegiate Karate Conference. Fighting is not required for membership. Contact Fred Balordi, 508-910-5469, u_fbalordi@umassd.edu
African African-American Asian Cape Verdean French Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender German Haitian Indian Japanese Jewish Latino Portuguese Top
Jewish
Center for Jewish Culture
The Center for Jewish Culture increases understanding and communication between Jewish and non-Jewish people of southeastern Massachusetts, and is home to Hillel, the international Jewish student organization.
African African-American Asian Cape Verdean French Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender German Haitian Indian Japanese Jewish Latino Portuguese Top
Latino
United Latino Society
ULS is a student organization committed to promoting the various ethnic and cultural experiences of the diverse Latino UMD community. ULS sponsors meetings, discussions, programs, and events, and promotes expressions of music, art, foods and poetry. Contact Frederick Douglass Unity House, Student Line, 508-999-9149.
African African-American Asian Cape Verdean French Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender German Haitian Indian Japanese Jewish Latino Portuguese Top
Portuguese
Center for Portuguese Studies and Culture
The Center for Portuguese Studies and Culture is a multidisciplinary international studies and outreach unit dedicated to the study of the language, literatures and cultures of the Portuguese-speaking world. The center publishes a series of books examining Portuguese culture and history.
Portuguese Language Club
Provides both activities and a forum where members and non-members may come together to learn about Portuguese-speaking countries and peoples.
African African-American Asian Cape Verdean French Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender German Haitian Indian Japanese Jewish Latino Portuguese Top
Dance top
Blue Dynasty
Blue Dynasty aims to educate the University community on the roots of stepping through rhythmic body movement. Contact Wendy Mathieu, 508-910-4141, u_wmathieu@umassd.edu
Dance Team of UMD
The Dance Team furthers the interests and abilities of experienced dancers in the UMD community, giving students an opportunity to continue dancing while in college and an outlet in which to perform. Students participate in athletic, social and competitive events on and off the UMD campus. Contact Angela Popoloski, 508-999-6046, UMD_dance@yahoo.com
Kekeli African Drum & Dance Club
The African Drum and Dance community at UMass Dartmouth encompasses a mixture of student, staff, faculty and community members who feel a deep connection to the music and cultures of African people. Public performances are held on the main campus, and in New Bedford as a part of the city's AHA! night. Contact royal hartigan, 508-999-8572, royaljhartigan@yahoo.com.
Pan-African Dance
The Pan-African Dance group aims to to foster awareness for and educate persons about the African and Pan-African culture through dance and African fashions. Contact Ajoke Bamisile, 508-999-4203, asb84@go.com
Film top
International Film Series
Films from countries throughout the world, with storylines that are diverse and generally unconventional. Held bi-weekly, on Fridays, during the academic year, in the College of Visual and Performing Arts Building, room 153. Parking is available in lot 8 or 9. Free admission. Hosted by Professors Charles and Patty White, of the English Department, 508-999-8285; cwhite@umassd.edu, pwhite@umassd.edu
New Diaspora Drama Series
A monthly presentation featuring films, plays and experimental performance works by emerging and established Black, Latino and Native American artists from around the country. Held on the fourth Friday of each month at the Neighborhood College's Theatre in New Bedford. Suggested donation is $5. Hosted by Oversoul Theatre Collective and Mwalim (Prof. MJ Peters) of the English Department & African/African American Studies, 508-999-8304; mpeters@umassd.edu, oversoultheatre@comcast.net.
Literature & Publications top
Alumni Magazine
The Alumni Magazine is published twice annually, by the Division of University Relations.
Changing Lives Through Literature (CLTL)
CLTL provides an alternative sentencing program based on the power of literature to transform lives through reading and group discussion.
Literary Society
The Literary Society at UMD familiarizes, educates and inspires students in the area of literature. It develops student involvement in curriculum, encourages communication between students and faculty, and serves as a source for career oriented information.
Portuguese Literature
Center for Portuguese Studies and Culture is a multidisciplinary international studies and outreach unit dedicated to the study of the language, literatures and cultures of the Portuguese-speaking world. The center publishes a series of books examining Portuguese culture and history.
Scrimshaw
The University yearbook highlights all the interesting events which occur on campus during the academic year.
Siren
Siren is a forum for the campus community to address gender issues and share its diverse experiences through artwork, fiction, poetry and essays. Siren is published annually and has been so for nearly two decades. Contact Professor Catherine Houser, chouser@umassd.edu.
Temper
The Temper, an annual literary review, is a student-based faculty-supervised annual publication whose pages are filled with original poetry, short stories, one-act plays and non-fiction prose. Submissions are accepted year-round through the English Department. Contact Professor Alan Rosen, arosen@umassd.edu.
The Torch
The Torch is the University's student newspaper. Published weekly, it reports on activities and matters of particular interest to students and is an essential source of information for official notices, campus and weekend events.
Music top
College of Visual & Performing Arts
CVPA hosts performances by the University Chorus, Spinners Vocal Ensemble, Gospel Choir, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Large and Small Jazz Ensembles, Brass Ensemble, West African Drum and Dance Ensemble, Contemporary Jazz and Jazz Vocal Ensembles, Guitar Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble. For performance schedules, please check the CVPA's calendar or the UMD's news and events page.
WSMU-FM 91.1
UMD's non-commercial campus and community radio station.
Theater Productions top
Feminist Theater (February or March)
The Women's Resource Center presents staged feminist themed theater productions. Past productions included performances of The Vagina Monologues, and an open mike presentation of That Takes Ovaries. Contact Kim Sylvia, 508-910-4584, ksylvia@umassd.edu
New Diaspora Drama Series
A monthly presentation featuring films, plays and experimental performance works by emerging and established Black, Latino and Native American artists from around the country. Held on the fourth Friday of each month at the Neighborhood College's Theatre in New Bedford. Suggested donation is $5. Hosted by Oversoul Theatre Collective and Mwalim (Prof. MJ Peters) of the English Department & African/African American Studies, 508-999-8304; mpeters@umassd.edu, oversoultheatre@comcast.net.
20 Cent Fiction
20 Cent Fiction Productions is a student-run theater group offering annual performances of The Rocky Horror Picture Show around Halloween and additional productions in the spring. More information at Student Activities/Student Clubs
UMass Dartmouth Theatre Company
A student run theater group, the Theatre Company produces two musicals and two plays per year. Performance and stage crew opportunities are open to students and the public.
Theater Spaces top
Main Auditorium
800 seat theater housed in the Campus Center. It is home to the UMass Dartmouth Theatre Company.
Auditorium
Room 153 in Group VI. Site of the International Film Series.
Zeiterion Performing Arts Center (Community)
The Zeiterion is New Bedford's main theatre.
