Arizona Arts presents a 2025 spring semester of arts experiences to engage audiences on campus at the University of Arizona and in the community.
This spring we will celebrate milestone anniversaries for “I Dream in Widescreen” (20th), the Center for Creative Photography (50th) and the Martha Graham Dance Company (100th).
Arizona Arts and its units produce over 700 events each year, most of them free. The division integrates the arts throughout the university experience; gives all students – regardless of major – access to meaningful experiences in the arts; and ensures that the arts play an essential role in realizing the university’s mission of community engagement.
Highlights include …
- “Hank Willis Thomas: LOVERULES” will include some of the most iconic, well-known works by Thomas, one of the most prominent contemporary artists of the past 25 years, at the University of Arizona Museum of Art. >> MORE.
- Internationally acclaimed pianist Olga Kern will answer students’ questions, give a master class and perform at the School of Music, thanks to the Sandra F. Lai Residency in Piano program. >> MORE.
- The School of Art’s VASE Lecture Series welcomes Whitney Museum curator Rujeko Hockley, called one of “the brightest and most passionate curatorial voices of (her) generation.” Co-sponsored by the Racial Justice Studio. >> MORE.
- “Richard Avedon: Among Creatives” highlights more than 50 works from the Center for Creative Photography’s archives at the Phoenix Art Museum. >> MORE.
- CCP will highlight its esteemed archives with the exhibition “Picture Party: Celebrating the Collection at 50” in May. >> Details to come.
- Louisa May Alcott’s beloved story of the adventures of the four March sisters is brought to vivid musical life in the School of Theatre, Film & Television’s production of “Little Women.” >> MORE.
- “Dance Springs Eternal” will feature dynamic new works by our talented faculty and guest choreographers, performed by our talented School of Dance students. >> MORE.
- The world-renowned Martha Graham Dance Company is bringing its 100th-anniversary celebration tour to Centennial Hall this spring, presented by Arizona Arts Live. >> MORE.
EXPERIENCES
Indian Ink Theatre: Mrs. Krishnan’s Party
Arizona Arts Live
Feb. 27 – March 8 | Maya Tea Warehouse
An immersive experience like no other, join “Indian Ink Theatre: Mrs. Krishnan’s Party” with music, dancing, and vegetarian dhal prepared live in this heart-warming show. Heard of Diwali? A million lamps floating on a river and fireworks lighting the sky. Heard of Holi? An explosion of color and joy. How about Onam? An annual harvest festival celebrating life, death, and rebirth … and possibly the biggest of them all! MORE.
Circa: Opus
Arizona Arts Live
April 12 | Centennial Hall
Australian company Circa returns with a bold piece of extreme physicality and nuanced detail with Opus. Beginning with a solo performer suspended on a rope serenaded by musicians, Opus then moves powerfully through rapidly alternating scenes of dislocated stillness and violent explosions to arrive at exquisitely detailed and nuanced geometrics of acrobats flying, balancing, and landing. MORE.
DANCE
Student Success: Scholarship Series
School of Dance
Feb. 20-23 | Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
With works by students, faculty, and community groups, this event highlights how support elevates the next generation of talent. An inspiring experience that pushes creative boundaries and demonstrates the profound effect of investing in the arts. MORE.
Martha Graham Dance Company
Arizona Arts Live
March 19 | Centennial Hall
Martha Graham’s groundbreaking and uniquely American dance style has influenced generations worldwide. In celebration of its upcoming centennial, the Company has organized GRAHAM100, a program explores Graham’s artistic legacy through performances, new productions, exhibitions, and more. MORE.
Dance Springs Eternal
School of Dance
April 10 – 20 | Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
Featuring dynamic new works by our talented faculty and guest choreographers, showcasing a variety of dance styles that will invigorate and inspire. Experience the energy and passion of our dancers as they bring innovative choreography to life. MORE.
Emerge: Student Spotlight
School of Dance
May 1 – 4 | Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
This concert is more than just a performance; it’s a chance to see our students’ growth as visionary artists and collaborators as they present an evening of captivating choreography. MORE.
MFA Thesis Concert
School of Dance
May 9 – 10 | Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
The culminating works of MFA candidates, who push boundaries of movement and expression through innovative choreography and thought-provoking themes. A showcase of the depth of their research and the evolution of their artistic voices. MORE.
LECTURES / CONVERSATIONS
Art Song Lecture by Nigel Foster
School of Music
Jan. 21 | Holsclaw Hall
Nigel Foster, associate of the Royal Academy of Music, is the founder and director of the London Song Festival, which promotes song repertoire and emerging singers. MORE.
Dance Visions
School of Dance
Jan. 29 | Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
Faculty will present their research in architecture, dance, and education. The audience will see examples of choreographic works and learn how these experts go from idea to creative outcome with their work. MORE.
The Artist and the Collector
University of Arizona Museum of Art
Feb. 15 | CCP Auditorium
A conversation with Hank Willis Thomas, among the most prominent contemporary artists of the past 25 years, and collector Jordan D. Schnitzer, among the top 200 art collectors in the world. MORE.
VASE Lecture Series
School of Art
Rujeko Hockley | Feb. 17 | CCP Auditorium
Whitney Museum curator Rujeko Hockley has been called one of “the brightest and most passionate curatorial voices of (her) generation.” She will speak on her work at the Whitney and Brooklyn Museum. MORE.
Jose Villalobos | March 20 | CCP Auditorium
Artist José Villalobos explores toxic masculinity and machismo by repurposing culturally significant objects and conveying these themes through performance. MORE.
TENWESTx Talks: Guy Raz
Arizona Arts Live
March 26 | Centennial Hall
Storyteller Guy Raz is celebrated as one of the most influential podcasters of our time, creating sensations like How I Built This, TED Radio Hour, and the award-winning kids’ show Wow in the World. Raz has received the Edward R. Murrow Award and a Peabody. MORE.
MUSIC
Tucson Jazz Festival
Arizona Arts Live @ The Rialto Theatre
Paquito D’Rivera | Jan. 17
Celebrate the musical genius of Paquito D’Rivera, a 16-time Grammy and Latin Grammy winner known for his mastery of Latin jazz and classical music. MORE.
Endea Owens and the Cookout | Jan. 18
Discover the dynamic artistry of Endea Owens, a rising star in the jazz world and an award-winning bassist and composer, and philanthropist. MORE.
Emmet Cohen Trio | Jan. 18
American jazz pianist and composer Emmet Cohen performs as part of the Tucson Jazz Festival. The Cole Porter Fellow of the American Pianists Association. MORE.
Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra | Jan. 19
Experience the vibrant legacy of New Orleans jazz with a premier ensemble dedicated to preserving and evolving jazz traditions. MORE.
Olga Kern
School of Music
Jan. 24, 26 | Crowder Hall
Acclaimed pianist Olga Kern, winner of the gold medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, will be on campus on Jan. 24-26 for a Q&A, master class and performance, thanks to the Sandra F. Lai Residency in Piano program. MORE.
Recital: Kristin Dauphinais, mezzo-soprano
School of Music / Tucson Desert Song Festival
Jan. 25 | Holsclaw Hall
Kristin Dauphinais, chair of vocal studies, performs the song settings of American poetess Sara Teasdale with distinguished pianist Nigel Foster, founder and director of the London Song Festival, an annual event promoting song repertoire. MORE.
Trester Festival for Latin American Music
School of Music
Feb. 23-25 | Crowder, Holsclaw Halls
The fifth annual festival focuses on the music of Argentina, Brazil and the United States, featuring a workshop and master class with alumnus Dr. Oscar Macchioni (DMA ’04, Piano), plus, the final round of the 15th Annual Lois Trester Piano Competition. MORE.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Arizona Arts Live
March 9 | The Rialto Theatre
For over 60 years, the 19-time nominated, five-time Grammy-winning group Ladysmith Black Mambazo has captivated global audiences with messages of peace, love, and harmony. MORE.
XIXA: “XOLO”
Arizona Arts Live
March 21 | The Rialto Theatre
XIXA, fronted by lead guitarists/singers Gabriel Sullivan and Brian Lopez (BA ’06, Music) will perform at their album release party for “XOLO.” MORE.
TENWESTx Live: Reggie Watts
Arizona Arts Live / TENWEST
March 28 | 191 Toole
Using only his extraordinary voice, looping pedals, and boundless imagination, musician, comedian, writer Reggie Watts delivers entirely improvised performances that are as unpredictable as they are unforgettable. Bandleader on The Late Late Show with James Corden and DJ for the 2021 Emmy Awards. MORE.
Silkroad Ensemble: Uplifted Voices
Arizona Arts Live / Tucson Desert Song Festival
April 6 | Centennial Hall
Grammy-winning Silkroad Ensemble presents Uplifted Voices, showcasing Indigenous North American music in a global context. Silkroad unites diverse musicians to champion equity and justice. Featuring Pura Fé, this project highlights underrecognized voices through innovative collaborations and stunning global instrumentation. MORE.
The Magic Flute
School of Music / Opera Theatre
April 10-13 | Crowder Hall
With music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder, the show is about the journey of a prince trying to rescue a princess from an evil sorcerer. MORE.
SCREENINGS
I Dream in Widescreen
School of Theatre, Film & Television
May 10 | Fox Tucson Theatre
The 20th annual showcase of thesis films created by seniors in the nationally renowned School of Theatre, Film & Television’s film program that ranks No. 9 in The Wrap’s latest ranking of “Top 50 Film Schools.” MORE.
THEATRE
John Proctor is the Villain
School of Theatre, Film & Television
Feb. 23 – March 9 | Marroney Theatre
Playwright Kimberly Belflower’s “John Proctor is the Villain,” explores a group of Georgia high school students as they study the play, The Crucible. Issues of love, sex and scandal rock their everyday worlds. MORE.
New Directions Festival
School of Theatre, Film & Television
April 3 – 13 | Tornabene Theatre
New directions, new voices. Annual festival of new works by BA students. Student-created, designed, and performed content. BA students tell their stories through voices that are uniquely their own. MORE.
Little Women
School of Theatre, Film & Television
April 20 – May 4 | Marroney Theatre
Set during the Civil War, Louisa May Alcott’s timeless American novel is vibrantly musicalized to stunning effect. Following the lives of Jo, Beth Meg and Amy as they navigate life in all its adventures and trials. Six generations have read this story. This one will sing it. MORE.
VISUAL ARTS
Hank Willis Thomas: LOVERULES
From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation
University of Arizona Museum of Art
Jan. 18 – June 21 | UAMA
Hank Willis Thomas, a conceptual artist and activist, focuses on themes like commodity, identity, media and popular culture. Experimenting with mixed media and mass-produced imagery, Thomas’ practice includes photography, sculpture, and installation. This exhibition features some of the artist’s most iconic and well-known artworks across a range of media. MORE.
Nice to Meet You!
School of Art
Through Jan. 30 | Rombach Gallery
The annual first-year MFA showcase celebrating School of Art graduate students: Steven Gray, Beihua Guo, Angelica Jones, Porter McDonald, Negar Nezari, Eden Squires and Cocytus Tallmåne. MORE.
Infused: Steeped in Tradition 2025
School of Art
Feb. 18 – March 6 | Rombach Gallery
Infuse, a group of graduate student artists, poets and researchers, will reflect on their relationship to home, communal nourishment, ancestral lineages, making new traditions, and infusing themselves wherever they migrate. MORE.
Louis Carlos Bernal: Retrospectiva
Center for Creative Photography
Through March 15 | CCP
Celebrating the legacy of Louis Carlos Bernal, a pioneering Chicano photographer and Tucson arts icon. The first major retrospective of Bernal’s career, showcases 145 photos and archival objects, chosen from the Bernal Collection in the CCP Archives. MORE.
Richard Avedon: Among Creatives
Center for Creative Photography
Through May 25 | Phoenix Art Museum
“Richard Avedon: Among Creatives” highlights the work of one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, renowned for capturing the vulnerability of celebrity subjects and creative icons. Features more than 50 works from the CCP Archives. MORE.
MFA Thesis Exhibition
School of Art
April 23 – May 16 | CCP and Gross Gallery
Carrying on a tradition that began in 1970 graduate students will present their work, a culmination of their three-year MFA studio degree program. MORE.