Comprised of the largest and most comprehensive set of arts programs in the UNC System, UNC Greensboro’s CVPA is a premier institution for the visual and performing arts. The UNC System Board of Governors has designated CVPA as an “area of distinction.” CVPA transforms lives by providing exceptional artistic and academic experiences.

CVPA’s educational roots date back to the mid-1890s when the North Carolina College for Women began offering musical programs. When the State Normal and Industrial School was founded, music was one of the eight original subjects taught. The synergy created by housing CVPA within a public research university gives the college its unique character and defines its mission: to enable students to understand and embrace the artistic expression of a diversity of cultures, empowering them to enrich the human experience for themselves and others.

CVPA’s faculty and staff make possible the professional training and exceptional education on which CVPA believes the future of the arts relies. The College’s faculty regularly receives distinguished honors for creative and scholarly works, and its alumni have achieved notable successes in the visual and performing arts.

History

Since its beginning in 1891, the University curriculum has included music. In September 1912, a Department of Music was founded and included majors in piano, voice, violin, and organ. In 1921, the Department of Music became the School of Music. In 2010, the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance was created by adding Theatre (established 1921) from the College of Arts and Sciences and Dance (established 1963) from the School of School of Health and Human Performance. CVPA was created in 2016 by combining the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance with Art Department (established 1943) from the College of Arts and Sciences. The Founding Dean of CVPA is Peter Alexander (2014-2018), and the Inaugural Dean is bruce mcclung (2019- ). UNC Greensboro is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST); and a member of the University Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA).

CVPA is comprised of four schools. Some of these are further subdivided into areas or programs:

•  School of Art;
• School of Dance;
• School of Music; and
• School of Theatre.