Expertise lies at the intersection of creativity, collaboration, discipline, and practice. At Belhaven, you’re learning to develop your passion while putting your newfound knowledge to the test.

Explore Your Program

Fuel your creativity and enhance your skills by taking advantage of all the School of Fine Arts has to offer. Collaborate with other students in the classroom and community to do the amazing.

Most importantly, enjoy studying your passion as you grow academically, personally, and spiritually.

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Your passion. Your purpose. Your calling.

At Belhaven University’s School of the Fine Arts, we believe that your creative gifts are more than just talents—they are a calling to shape the world through artistry and expression. Are you ready to pursue your passion with purpose? Choose Belhaven.

dancers twirling

Arts Ablaze at Belhaven

Whether in the visual art gallery, the dance theatre, the concert hall, the recital hall, or the flexible theatre, a rich and diverse arts season awaits you.

Check Out the Arts Schedule

We’ve Got a Show for You

Artists yearn to share their gift with the world. That’s why Belhaven conducts a robust schedule of events featuring the performing and visual arts.

Both free and ticketed, brand-new and timeless, there’s a show on the docket for everyone.

Artistic Collaboration

Belhaven students join forces across disciplines to uncover new forms of expression, exploring the depths of their craft while partnering with others. Artists unlock endless possibilities through thoughtful collaboration.

Performance Venues

Belhaven brings performances and special events to you in one of our many outstanding venues. There are halls, theatres, and our stadium for events of many sizes, from small to large concerts, performances, and plays.

  • Bitsy Irby Gallery
  • Bitsy Irby Visual Arts & Dance Center–Studio Theatre
  • Blackbox Theatre in the Center for the Arts
  • Concert Hall
  • Instrumental Rehearsal Hall
  • Shoe Bird Cafe
  • The Commons
  • Belhaven Bowl Stadium

Artist Exhibitions

Belhaven students in the Art & Design programs participate in exhibitions throughout the year. See inspiring art and incredible talent at any of our gallery shows.

For more details on Art + Design events, contact visualarts@belhaven.edu or 601-965-1400.

See Upcoming Exhibitions

Dance Performances

Belhaven dance performances include choreographic works created by our innovative dance faculty, seasoned guest artists, and students studying dance composition. Come experience diverse styles of dance that will evoke your imagination and enrich your soul. For reservations or more details, contact dance@belhaven.edu or 601-965-1400.

Find a Live Performance

Concerts & Recitals

Our music department works with music and non-music majors to bring extraordinary talent and live concerts to you. Come see our talented musicians perform at any of our upcoming shows.

For more information about reservations or details on upcoming performances, contact music@belhaven.edu or 601-974-6494.

View Upcoming Concerts

Theatre Performances

Belhaven has seen spectacular theatrical talent over the years. And we are excited to share it with you. Come and see hard work and talent in action at any of our live theatre performances.

For more information about reservations or details on upcoming performances, contact boxoffice@belhaven.edu or 601-974-6478.

Find a Show

Prepare for your Calling

At Belhaven, we’re focused on developing the next generation of artists. We're thrilled to have a role in your growth as an artist, both during your time at Belhaven and long after graduation

Mission

The mission of the School of Fine Arts at Belhaven University is to guide and equip artists within a dynamic, rigorous, and nurturing Christ-centered community. Our goal is to inspire artists to use their creative gifts in service to others, beginning in their local communities and extending to all corners of the world, through expressions of beauty, hope, and truth. A Belhaven-trained artist will embrace their creative gift as a high calling from God, pursue excellence in their craft, and seek to authentically reflect the richness of human experience and the character of God.

Vision

The School of Fine Arts at Belhaven University envisions a vibrant, grace-filled, and passionate community of artists that draws faculty and students from around the world. Individuals will be empowered to develop their gifts, take bold risks, create meaningful art, shape culture, grow in character, collaborate with others, and deepen faith with an abiding trust in the Creator God.

cover of the brogue

The Brogue: Belhaven's Fine Arts Journal

Belhaven’s Brogue is brought to you by Belhaven’s one-of-a-kind Creative Writing Department. View creative artworks and writings by alumni and current students, from short stories and insightful essays to heartfelt poetry and thought pieces.

Immerse Yourself

Share Your Gifts and Sharpen Your Skills

As an artist or graphic designer, you work hard to develop your voice. Show us your artistic range with a portfolio of your creations.

Audition for the opportunity to join the Belhaven Dance Department as a dance major or minor. Be a part of our innovative collaborations, choreography, and performances.

Belhaven University offers unique opportunities for exceptional musicians, both music majors and non-majors alike. Audition for any one of our ensembles and join other artists in creating incredible live performances.

Each year, students in our Film Department have the chance to display their hard work and talent in Belhaven’s Film Production Showcase. Learn more about creating and entering your film.

Students have many opportunities to perform at Belhaven, from comedy and drama to classical and musical performances. You can act, dance and sing in these shows. Or practice stage management, costume and make-up design.

"Because of my degree from Belhaven University I will be able to enter the film industry with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to succeed in a hypercompetitive industry. I love storytelling, whether it be a film or piece of literature. Everything that I have learned during my time at Belhaven has helped me to better understand not just storytelling, but life itself"

John Byars John Byars

Samuel Pillsbury

"My favorite thing about Belhaven would be the wide community of people that you get to interact with and lots of different ideas and opinions that you get to experience. There's this hivemind of feedback from which to learn and grow."  

Samuel Pillsbury

Megan Prosper

"I chose Belhaven because I wanted to attend a school that had both Visual Arts and Biblical Studies. After meeting the faculty and seeing how much they cared about every student, I was sold!"

Megan Prosper

Meagan Winter

"There is always a friendly face and someone to be friends with. The opportunities to get connected on campus are plentiful, and I appreciate how genuine people are and how I am seen by my professors, classmates and friends."

Meagan Winter

"I was looking for a faith-based college with a Creative Writing program. Belhaven was the right fit. The intimacy of the whole department is great. The faculty want to help us grow and succeed and become better writers."

Jennifer Wells

Zacchaeus Cloy

"I'm excited to graduate with a B.F.A in Graphic Design and a B.A. in Music. I plan to pursue music education and freelance art and design work after graduating. My drawings and sculpture are built from layers of intuitive marks and forms."

Zacchaeus Cloy. 2023

"Because of my degree from Belhaven University I have made many connections both personally and professionally in the dance field which will direct next steps and allow for collaboration in the future. It has been an honor to work closely with so many professional artists and gain wisdom from those who have gone before me."

Victoria Tomes

Demarcus Suggs

"Belhaven is preparing me to share the gift of creativity through movement in a multitude of capacities. I can teach, perform, be involved in the technical and administrative aspects of production, as well as pursue further education in dance."

Demarcus Suggs

Malia Logan

"I love the opportunity to get to learn and grow with your classmates in different environments, and the academic relationships you can have with your professors that you can't have on big campuses. I also love the diversity you can learn from and befriend while growing yourself."

Malia Logan

Suzie Stolz

"I have grown so much as a dancer and a person here. Not only have I learned a lot about myself, but I have also made many friendships that I know will last long after a graduation. The rigorous training challenged my technique and taught me the value of discipline and perseverance."

Suzie Stolz

"I chose Belhaven because here the professors are concerned with teaching you to foster your own personal art-making process and developing you as a working, independent artist."

Hannah Gillis

"Belhaven places such a high emphasis and appreciation for the arts that is rare to find in other schools. The fifth-year free promise for double majors is an added perk that I knew I wanted to take advantage of and allows me to pursue other interests. Because of my degree from Belhaven I feel prepared to take on a career in the arts while focusing on my values."

Mandi Redmond

"The Art Department at Belhaven is like no other department I’ve seen. The professors truly love what they teach and actively practice in their own art processes. My favorite part about this department is the community student studios!  Having the freedom to see what other classmates are working on is an inspiration and a learning tool to better understanding what art is."

Melissa Gentry

Seth Scruggs

"I chose to study Film Production at Belhaven because I loved the dedication to developing the whole person, in addition to the skills that are needed to succeed as a filmmaker. My degree from Belhaven will give me the practical knowledge to pursue a career doing something I love to do."

Seth Scruggs

"I was deeply impressed by the people at Belhaven when I came to visit. The faculty's passion for teaching and growing us into quality writers was encouraging and inspiring. Belhaven is preparing me for a number of career opportunities."

Martha Krystaponis

Katherine Claxton

"My time at Belhaven has been full of adventure and has allowed me the opportunity to put my faith into practice. Each semester has brought new challenges, and I am thankful for the safe place Belhaven has given me to grow and establish my identity in Christ."

Katherine Claxton

Mollie Jones

"At Belhaven, I immediately felt at home and with the help from my peers and professors, I began to develop my voice as an artist. I enjoy exploring organic and geometric patterns through graphic design, drawing, and mixed-media sculptures."

Mollie Jones

Christian Venzen

"My favorite thing about Belhaven is the fact that it is Christ-centered. It’s the perfect place for young adults who are seeking or growing in their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ."

Christian Venzen

"Because of my degree from Belhaven University, I am...A stronger musician. A prepared teacher. A stronger Christian. A happy student."

Ella Castro

"I chose to attend Belhaven because of it's Christian worldview and has separate dance and theatre departments and would allow me to double major. My fellow students are not only my close friends, but also my biggest supporters and collaborators. I feel confident in pursuing my goals as a professional performer and choreographer. I am being equipped and encouraged every semester!"

Liz Morales

people gathered at an art exhibit

A Celebrated Haven for Arts Education

Only 39 universities in the U.S. are accredited in all major arts. Belhaven is one. That means master classes, great performances, and national competitions. When you study art, dance, music, or theatre here, you’re earning a degree from a nationally recognized school for the arts.

See Our Accreditation

Contact Us

School of the Arts
1500 Peachtree Street, Bitsy Irby 2nd Floor
Jackson, MS 39202

Dance
601-965-1400
dance@belhaven.edu

Music
601-974-6494
music@belhaven.edu

Theatre
601-974-6478
theatre@belhaven.edu

Art + Design
601-965-1400
visualarts@belhaven.edu

Film Production
601-965-7088
film@belhaven.edu

Creative Writing
601-968-8996
writing@belhaven.edu

Verse of the Year

For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Psalm 100:5