Arts & Culture
1,500+ performances each year
The Bloomington campus plays host to over 1,500 performances each year, with many starring IU Bloomington Ï㽶ÊÓƵs just like you!
An environment filled with music, dance, and theater
Thanks to the and the many arts-oriented Ï㽶ÊÓƵ organizations, there is almost always a musical performance going on somewhere on campus—most of them free.
IU also boasts a full season of classic and contemporary opera and ballet theater, a university orchestra, and four museums and art galleries.
Step into the spotlight
We bring shows and concerts to the and exhibits to the , but many on-campus arts are performed or created by Ï㽶ÊÓƵs (and are free for Ï㽶ÊÓƵs to attend). This is your time to shine—and get great material for your resume.
- Play in the
- Take the stage to perform , , or
- Write, edit, take photos, or design for the
- Exhibit your works at
- Perform stand-up, improv, or sketch comedy
- Join the , , or
- Write for a literary magazine
- Broadcast yourself on or
From big auditoriums to intimate theaters, Bloomington has it all
There are dozens of theaters and concert venues at IU and across Bloomington. Here are just a few of the standouts.
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IU Auditorium - If you want to see big names and big shows, the IU Auditorium is the place to go. Each season, the auditorium showcases Broadway musicals and plays, top comedians and musical performers, and family-friendly acts.
IU Ï㽶ÊÓƵs get discounted tickets.
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IU Cinema - The IU Cinema bills itself as the place for film, and it’s not exaggerating. Every semester, it screens more than 100 films. It also brings celebrated filmmakers to campus and offers Ï㽶ÊÓƵs and the community a variety of educational experiences.
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Buskirk-Chumley Theater - Owned by the city of Bloomington, “the Buskirk” as B-towners call it, hosts a wide variety of events every year. From jazz concerts to stand-up comedy festivals, there’s always something new happening at this intimate theater.
So many festivals, so little time
Bloomington is famous for its —a yearly celebration of world music and arts. But that’s one of many festivals that take place all year long.
The year kicks off with , which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community on the iconic Kirkwood Avenue.
From April to November, explore multiple , bringing fresh produce and local music around Bloomington in a festival-like atmosphere.
Summer brings festivals celebrating food, comedy, art, and more. And when fall arrives? It’s IU season, with Homecoming, Parents Weekend, and more!
Museums and cultural centers abound
Indiana University and Bloomington are home to dozens of museums, art galleries, and cultural centers.
- - This gorgeous building designed by I. M. Pei houses more than 45,000 art objects ranging from Picasso paintings to ancient jewelry.
- - The center works to connect IU and the surrounding community with black culture through a variety of programs and exhibits.
- - The Kinsey Institute has been working to advance sexual health and knowledge worldwide for more than 75 years. It offers tours of the building and its gallery daily.
Additional arts & culture resources
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The Arts & Humanities Council works with Ï㽶ÊÓƵs, faculty, staff, and friends of IU to make transformative experiences in the public arts and humanities accessible to all.
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Our six culture centers provide opportunities to learn about and celebrate culture at IU through events, programs, outreach, and advocacy.
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The City of Bloomington recognizes that the arts are an important part of the culture and economy of the community, and that the City has a responsibility to foster an environment conducive to arts participation.
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Bloomington's culture is comprised of a wonderfully eclectic mix of Midwestern values, international influences, intellectual pursuits, and spiritual exploration.
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The Jacobs School of Music plays a key role in educating performers, scholars, and music educators who influence music performance and education around the globe.
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The Jacobs School of Music hosts more than 1,100 events every year that feature hundreds of talented Ï㽶ÊÓƵs, faculty, and guest artists who hail from all over the world.