Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art (Community Engaged Art)
Hours: 120 On-Campus
About
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art (Community Engaged Art) program at Fort Hays State University equips students to apply their artistic skills in real-world contexts, advocating for social justice and cultural understanding. This program emphasizes the significance of art education and community involvement, enabling students to develop meaningful, socially conscious projects.
Through collaborations with local organizations, students gain hands-on experience that fosters sustainability and community empowerment. They engage directly with communities, teaching practical artistic skills and promoting lifelong learning.
Why pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art (Community Engaged Art) at Fort Hays State University?
Students pursuing the BFA in Art (Community Engaged Art) benefit from a unique blend of creative freedom and civic responsibility. The program combines leadership development, community partnerships, and interdisciplinary coursework to cultivate both skilled artists and effective changemakers.
By prioritizing collaboration with service agencies, the program distinguishes itself with a unique and impactful approach unmatched by others. FHSU’s curriculum prioritizes artistic projects that create a meaningful impact on real people and communities.
Who is this program for?
This program is designed for students who wish to blend creativity with community service. It attracts individuals passionate about using art to inform, inspire, and engage audiences in public spaces.
- Artists who want to focus on social change
- Students not interested in K-12 teaching but passionate about education
- Future graduate students in art therapy, social work, or nonprofit leadership
- Individuals interested in collaborative and public art forms
- Creatives looking for professional preparation outside of traditional galleries
Real-World Applications
Students engage directly with underrepresented and underserved communities through strategic partnerships with local nonprofits, social service agencies, and cultural institutions. These collaborations empower students to plan, design, and implement art projects that educate, promote healing, and raise awareness of pressing social issues.
Graduates develop a deep understanding of how to manage community-based art initiatives, including skills in grant writing, event planning, and project execution. The program fosters both artistic development and project management, leadership, and communication skills essential for creating meaningful community impact through art.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Contemporary art increasingly emphasizes inclusivity, sustainability, and cultural responsiveness, core principles deeply embedded in the curriculum. Students explore emerging forms of socially engaged art, including public installations, performance activism, and interactive multimedia projects.
The program integrates forward-thinking tools such as digital storytelling, advocacy graphics, and collaborative design strategies. Through training in grant writing, grassroots entrepreneurship, and nonprofit arts leadership, students gain the skills and resources needed to innovate and lead within the field.
Hands-on Activities
Experiential learning is central to the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art (Community Engaged Art) program. Every course includes a hands-on component that bridges theory and practice. Students participate in projects such as co-creating murals with neighborhood associations and leading art workshops for children and seniors, applying their skills in real-world settings where their work has a visible, lasting impact.
Beyond coursework, students conduct independent research that culminates in solo or group exhibitions. The program also supports student participation in national conferences, offering valuable opportunities for professional exposure and networking. These exhibitions serve both academic and public audiences, showcasing how artists use creative practice to spark civic dialogue and contribute to community well-being.
What You’ll Learn:
- Understand art in a social justice context
- Create and lead community art projects
- Develop advanced studio skills
- Study grant writing and entrepreneurship
- Learn advocacy through art
How You’ll Learn:
- Collaborate with local service partners
- Implement a culminating capstone project
- Attend leadership and sociology classes
- Showcase work in group exhibitions
- Conduct research in community settings
The core curriculum builds a strong foundation in visual storytelling and studio practice, while incorporating courses that deepen students’ understanding of community dynamics. Traditional disciplines like drawing, painting, sculpture, and ceramics are integrated with studies in sociology, leadership, entrepreneurship, and art history.
In their final year, students complete capstone projects that involve planning, executing, and evaluating community-engaged art initiatives, demonstrating their readiness for careers as artists or for graduate study in fields such as art therapy, social work, or nonprofit management. Every course and assignment is designed with long-term, real-world relevance.
ART 308: Community Engaged Art
This is a hands-on course that addresses community needs through socially engaged art practices.
ART 476: Art Apprenticeship
In this course, Students will participate in planning, teaching, and administering art programs.
SOC 664: Social Entrepreneurship and Grassroots Social Action
This course helps students 1) identify categories of people in need about whom they most care, 2) understand the challenges and successes of existing grassroots social action organizations, 3) learn the principles for designing a grassroots community project to help others in need, and 4) build a grassroots social action project on paper (that can later be initiated if desired by the student).
Discover the full Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art (Community Engaged Art) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Graduates are equipped for creative careers that make a meaningful social impact. Whether they enter the workforce or pursue advanced studies, they apply art as a practical tool in diverse settings. Career opportunities are expanding across public art, nonprofit organizations, and educational programs.
Community Art Teacher
Community art teachers use their creative skills to lead workshops that meet public needs. Working in shelters, cultural centers, and hospitals, they guide participants in painting, sculpture, and mixed media while exploring themes like wellness and identity.
Community Art Center Director
Community art center directors oversee all aspects of an arts organization, including programming, staff management, and fundraising. They develop exhibits, classes, and events that engage and reflect community interests.
Community Art Education Coordinator
Community art education coordinators design curricula and programs that bring the arts into schools, after-school centers, and public institutions. Coordinators collaborate with educators and artists to create dynamic, interdisciplinary learning experiences.
Independent Artist at Festivals
Independent artists showcase and sell work at festivals, fairs, and pop-up exhibitions. Many create installations using found objects or socially relevant themes. They often lead workshops, collaborate with communities, and use their art to raise awareness for important causes.
Community Leadership Positions
Graduates with leadership training can work in nonprofits, advocacy groups, and government agencies that support the arts. They shape cultural policy, secure funding, and organize events to integrate art into civic life and expand public access to creative programs.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University offers programs that complement the BFA in Art (Community Engaged Art), allowing students to expand or customize their studies. Whether through double majors, certificates, or interdisciplinary options, these programs support a tailored educational experience.
- B.A./BFA in Art (Studio Art: Ceramics)
- B.A./B.S. in Sociology
- B.A./BFA in Art (Studio Art: Drawing-Painting)
- B.A./BFA in Art (Studio Art: Printmaking)
- B.A./BFA in Art (Studio Art: Sculpture)
- Certificate in Community Engaged Art
- Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship (with a BFA Degree)
The curriculum focuses on socially engaged art and includes direct community involvement. Leadership, sociology, and grant writing courses are available with studio work.
Students become ready for nonprofit roles, community outreach, social work, and public education.
Graduates are well-prepared for programs in art therapy, arts administration, and other community-focused graduate degrees.
Projects may involve creating murals, leading public art workshops, or developing exhibitions with partner organizations.
Yes, students participate in solo and group exhibitions as part of the program and may also present at national conferences.
Information about the School of Visual and Performing Arts
The School of Visual and Performing Arts at FHSU inspires creativity within a supportive and passionate community. Each program in Art and Design, along with Music and Theatre, offers students the opportunity to develop their talents and prepare for rewarding careers in the arts. Whether students aspire to create visual masterpieces, perform on stage, or educate the next generation, expert faculty provide hands-on learning experiences that both inspire and challenge.
With access to state-of-the-art facilities and personalized mentorship, students gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in their chosen fields. From local exhibitions and major performances to internships and professional development opportunities, these programs equip students with the tools to make a lasting impact in the world of visual and performing arts.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA): Connect with industry professionals and fellow graphic design students, attend conferences, and expand your network.
- Arts for Social Change: Use art as a catalyst for positive social change through lectures, workshops, and public events.
- Ceramica Clay Club (CCC): Participate in ceramic workshops, art events, and interdisciplinary projects that spread art into the community.
- FHSU Theater: Dive into acting, writing, and directing through performances and peer education programs.
- Fe Sculpture Club: Explore metalworking and host art events both on campus and in the community.
- Interior Design Student Organization (IDSA): Prepare for a career in interior design through networking, field trips, and professional development.
- Creative Arts Society (CAS): Enhance diversity and culture through guest-artist lectures, workshops, and community art projects.
- Collaborative Art Project (CAP): The Collaborative Art Project is a partnership between Amy Schmierbach, professor of art at Fort Hays State University, FHSU students, and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK). Schmierbach and the students lead workshops for DSNWK individuals, offering structured art experiences focused on weaving, drawing, and photography. The project aims to expand access to the arts within the Hays community, creating more opportunities for individuals to engage with and benefit from artistic expression.
- Art Eaters Art History Club: The Art Eaters Art History Club is a community dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of art across cultures and throughout history. Open to all students regardless of experience, the club offers opportunities to explore art movements, artists, and various forms through lectures, gallery visits, workshops, and discussions. With a mission to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for the arts, the club also connects members with influential figures in the art world and helps develop valuable skills such as curation. Through collaboration and dialogue, the club cultivates a deeper understanding of art’s cultural significance.
- Tiger Marching Band: This group is open to all students who enjoy marching band and want to be a part of the Tiger Marching Band tradition.
- Pep Band: The FHSU pep band provides musical entertainment for FHSU Basketball games. Open to all students.
- Collegiate National Association for Music Education (CNAfME): This student organization is dedicated to developing music education professionals, including workshops, training, field experiences, and annual participation in the Kansas Music Educators Association state conference in Wichita.
- Student National Association of Teachers of Singing (S-NATS): Vocalists participate in workshops, training, and attendance at the regional NATS workshop and competition each fall.
- Music Theatre: Participate in a fully realized stage production produced each year, from a stage role to back-stage positions and technical support.
- Certificate
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- On-Campus
- Online
