13 ideas for cultural events to animate campus life

Cultural events are essential to boost student life on university campuses. From multidisciplinary artistic festivals to creative practice workshops, including meetings with inspiring personalities, projections-debates and literary events, the possibilities are vast to stimulate the intellectual curiosity and the artistic fiber of students. By offering a rich and varied program throughout the year, universities can transform their campuses into real places of exchange, discoveries and cultural emulation, complementary to academic lessons. Regularly organizing quality cultural events contributes to the personal development of students, to the development of a critical and creative spirit, as well as to the strengthening of social ties and the feeling of belonging to the university community.

Summary :

1- Multidisciplinary artistic festivals
2- Meetings with cultural personalities
3- Projections and film clubs
4- Artistic practice workshops
5- Literary events

Multidisciplinary artistic festivals

Student music festival

To set up a musical festival with student groups, you must above all reserve an adapted place such as an amphitheater or a multipurpose room on the campus. Check your capacity, acoustics and available equipment (scene, sound, lights).

Then launch a call for candidates with musician students to select the groups that will occur. Establish a planning of rehearsals and scales. On D-Day, make sure you have volunteers to welcome the public, keep a ticket office and a refreshment bar.

Visual arts exhibition

An exhibition of the most remarkable works produced by art students this year:

• Paintings, drawings, engravings reflecting the creativity and diversity of techniques taught

• Artistic photographs in black and white or in color exploring various themes

• Sculptures and installations testifying to the inventiveness of young artists

• Digital and multimedia art pushing the limits of visual expression

The exhibition will highlight emerging talents and the vitality of artistic creation on the campus. A great opportunity to discover the promising work of the new generation.

Theatrical and dance representations

Students passionate about theater and dance often struggle to find scenes to express themselves on campus. To allow them to share their talents, the university could provide a dedicated space such as an amphitheater or a multipurpose room a few evenings a week.

In partnership with the cultural service, a student call for artistic projects would be launched each semester. The best shows of shows would be programmed and accompanied in their implementation: technical help, coaching, promotion of the event. These representations open to all the audiences of the campus would value the creativity of young artists while energizing university cultural life.

Meetings with cultural personalities

Conferences of writers and intellectuals

The university regularly hosts conferences given by renowned writers and intellectuals. These events allow students to discover influential thinkers and exchange with them on their works and ideas.

At the end of each conference, a signing session is organized. Students then have the opportunity to meet the author in a more personal way, to sign their books and to continue the discussion started during the conference. These privileged moments are highly appreciated and always arouse a lot of enthusiasm on the campus.

Masterclass with artists

To enrich cultural life on the campus, here are some masterclass ideas to organize with professional artists:

• Creative writing workshops led by a writer to learn narrative techniques and stimulate the imagination

• Theater lessons led by an actor to work on the scenic expression and the interpretation

• Music sessions framed by a musician to discover an instrument or perfect his practice

• Contemporary dance workshops with a choreographer to explore the movement and body creativity

These privileged meetings with artists will allow students to discover behind the scenes of creation and to live a unique artistic experience. An excellent way to arouse vocations and reveal talents!

Projections and film clubs

Thematic film cycles

Organizing cycles of projections around themes or directors makes it possible to give coherence to the cinematographic programming on the campus. Students can thus discover works linked by a common theme or a particular style of staging.

However, you must take care to vary the subjects and filmmakers in the spotlight so as not to tire the public. Alternate Movies for the general public and more confidential works, contemporary cinema and classics, blockbusters and films of an enlarged author will the spectrum of interested students.

To succeed in a thematic cycle of films is therefore to find the right balance between coherence of the programming and diversity of the works offered. A subtle dosage that will arouse the curiosity of students and will make them travel through the multiple facets of 7th art.

Film debates and analyzes

After each screening, offer a friendly exchange time led by a film teacher or a critic. Students will be able to deepen their understanding of the film, express their feelings and confront their interpretations.

These discussions will enlist the context of the work, the choices of realization and the themes addressed. The speakers will bring an enriching lighting thanks to their knowledge and their experience of filmic analysis. A privileged moment to stimulate the reflection and critical sense of students-spectators.

Outdoor projections

To organize outdoor cinema projections on campus during sunny days:

• Choose a suitable place like a central lawn or a green space, with a flat surface to install the screen. Check electrical accessibility for projection equipment.

• Select popular and federative films, varying genres (comedies, cult films, blockbusters ...) to please as many people as possible. Organize a student vote to involve them in the programming.

• Communicate widely on the event via social networks, display, newsletters to attract a maximum of spectators. Create an original and friendly event.

• On D -Day, install deckchairs, cushions, blankets to create a relaxed atmosphere. Plan En-Cas and Drinks with the help of student associations for more conviviality.

Artistic practice workshops

Theater and improvisation lessons

The theater and improvisation workshops will be led each week by professional actors:

• The sessions will take place every Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the campus amphitheater.

• The number of participants will be limited to 20 students to allow personalized follow -up.

• During these workshops, students will learn the basic techniques of acting: breathing, diction, placement of voice, body expression.

• They will also regularly practice fun improvisation exercises to develop their spontaneity, listening and creativity.

• At the end of the year, a performance of the best sketches in front of an audience of students and teachers will enhance the work accomplished.

Creative writing workshops

Writing workshops supervised by authors will allow students to develop their creativity and editorial skills. During collective sessions, participants will be able to exchange and inspire each other through fun exercises. Individual writing times will also allow them to move forward on their personal projects under the benevolent gaze of a professional.

Plastic Arts Initiation

Expand your creative horizon by participating in the workshops of plastic arts open to all students:

• Discover the basic techniques of the academic drawing: perspective, shadows and lights, proportions. Shake your pencil stroke during sketch sessions for living models.

• Experience different pictorial mediums such as watercolor, acrylic or oil. Learn to handle brushes to create original, figurative or abstract works.

• Shape the material during modeling and sculpture lessons. Explore volumes and textures by working clay, plaster or even recovery materials.

Whether you are a beginner or confirmed, these workshops will allow you to develop your artistic fiber in a warm and benevolent atmosphere. A great opportunity to add a touch of creativity to your course!

Literary events

Student Book Fair

The Student Book Fair is an ideal opportunity for young readers to enrich their library, to open up to new literary horizons and to share their passion for books.

A stimulating event not to be failed to create to enhance words of words

Public readings and open scenes

Want to share your favorite texts and discover new talents? Public readings and open scenes are made for you! They allow students to read extracts from novels, poems, news or even their own writings in front of an audience aloud.

For even more dynamism, alternate with slam sessions where participants declare texts on a musical background. Interaction with the public is the key: encourage applause, finger slaps and leave the floor to the room between each reading.

Organized regularly, these open scenes promote meetings and sometimes reveal unsuspected talents. A shared favorite for a text, an inspiring exchange with a budding author, a moment of collective emotion ... beautiful surprises in perspective

In summary, cultural events play a key role in enriching student life on university campuses. From multidisciplinary festivals to creative workshops, including inspiring meetings, debates and literary events, there are many possibilities to arouse the intellectual curiosity and artistic fiber of students. By proposing a diversified programming throughout the year, universities transform their campuses into real places of discovery, exchanges and cultural stimulation, complementary to lessons. Regularly organizing quality cultural events contributes to the development of students, to the development of their critical and creative spirit, as well as to the strengthening of social ties. Highlights that participate in a successful and memorable student experience.