Nestled amidst the vibrant cultural landscape of Chicago’s Near North Side, DePaul Arts and Letters Hall serves as a transformative academic hub for aspiring artists and scholars. This state-of-the-art facility offers a world-class environment that empowers students to unlock their creative potential, foster intellectual growth, and engage with the local and global art community.

A Legacy of Artistic Innovation
Established in 2017, DePaul Arts and Letters Hall is a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to supporting the arts. The building’s striking architectural design, conceived by the renowned firm Studio Gang, seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with functional flexibility. Its sprawling, light-filled studios and galleries provide students with ample space to explore their artistic vision and showcase their exceptional talent.
Cutting-Edge Facilities for Unparalleled Learning
DePaul Arts and Letters Hall boasts a comprehensive array of cutting-edge facilities that cater to diverse artistic disciplines. These include:
Music:
– State-of-the-art recording studios equipped with professional-grade equipment
– Sound-proofed practice rooms for individual and ensemble rehearsals
– A concert hall with superb acoustics for student performances and guest artists
Theater:
– A proscenium theater with seating capacity for over 300 attendees
– A black box theater that offers experimental and immersive productions
– A motion capture studio for advanced performance analysis
Dance:
– Spacious dance studios with sprung floors and ample natural light
– A video analysis room that allows students to refine their technique
– A dance lab equipped with cutting-edge technology for choreography development
Visual Arts:
– Dedicated painting, sculpture, and photography studios designed for hands-on creation
– A digital media lab with specialized software for computer graphics and animation
– A gallery space where students can exhibit their original artworks
Renowned Arts Programs and Faculty
DePaul Arts and Letters Hall is home to nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate programs in music, theater, dance, and visual arts. Led by internationally acclaimed faculty, these programs provide students with a rigorous and transformative educational experience.
- In 2022, DePaul’s School of Music was ranked among the top 50 music schools in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.
- The Theatre School regularly ranks among the top 15 theater programs in the country, according to College Factual.
- The School of Dance has received numerous awards and accolades for its innovative choreography and artistic collaborations.
- The Department of Art and Art History offers a wide range of studio courses and exhibitions that showcase both traditional and contemporary art practices.
Vibrant Cultural Hub for the Community
Beyond its academic programs, DePaul Arts and Letters Hall serves as a vibrant cultural hub for the Near North Side community. The building houses three public galleries that showcase the work of local, national, and international artists. It also hosts a variety of public events, including exhibitions, performances, and lectures that engage the public with the arts.
Laboratory for Artistic Innovation
DePaul Arts and Letters Hall is more than just a building; it is a laboratory for artistic innovation. The facility provides students with the resources, mentorship, and environment they need to push the boundaries of their creativity and make meaningful contributions to the world of art.
Inspiring Collaborative Partnerships
DePaul has forged strategic partnerships with renowned arts organizations in Chicago, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. These collaborations provide students with unparalleled opportunities for internships, residencies, and performances that enhance their artistic growth and professional development.
Global Impact through Arts Advocacy
DePaul Arts and Letters Hall is a platform for social change through the arts. Students are encouraged to engage with community outreach programs that promote arts education, foster cultural understanding, and address issues of social justice.
- The Arts for Social Change initiative supports student-led projects that use the arts to make a positive impact in the community.
- The Center for Black Music Research conducts groundbreaking research on the history and impact of Black music.
- The Theatre School’s community outreach program offers workshops, performances, and mentorship opportunities to youth from underserved communities.
Inclusive and Accessible Arts Education
DePaul Arts and Letters Hall is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all students. The facility features numerous accessibility features, including elevators, ramps, and assistive listening devices. The university also offers financial aid and scholarships to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Table 1: Undergraduate and Graduate Arts Programs
Program | Degree |
---|---|
Music | Bachelor of Music |
Music | Master of Music |
Theater | Bachelor of Fine Arts |
Theater | Master of Fine Arts |
Dance | Bachelor of Fine Arts |
Dance | Master of Fine Arts |
Visual Arts | Bachelor of Fine Arts |
Visual Arts | Master of Arts in Art and Culture Education |
Table 2: Arts Facilities
Facility | Description |
---|---|
Music Studios | State-of-the-art recording studios and practice rooms |
Theater | Proscenium and black box theaters |
Dance Studios | Sprung floors, natural light, and a dance lab |
Visual Arts Studios | Dedicated studios for painting, sculpture, and photography |
Digital Media Lab | Cutting-edge software for computer graphics and animation |
Table 3: Public Galleries
Gallery | Description |
---|---|
Gallery 1 | Showcases contemporary art from local, national, and international artists |
Gallery 2 | Features rotating exhibitions curated by students and faculty |
Gallery 3 | Hosts exhibitions that explore the intersection of art and social justice |
Table 4: Community Engagement Programs
Program | Description |
---|---|
Arts for Social Change | Student-led projects that use the arts to address community issues |
Center for Black Music Research | Conducts research on the history and impact of Black music |
Theatre School Community Outreach | Provides workshops, performances, and mentorship to youth from underserved communities |