Since being launched by Aurora University in 2006-2007, the Celebrating Arts and Ideas series has brought the campus and community together in appreciation of fine arts and learning. Through music, lectures, museum and art exhibits, film, and theatre, a diverse collection of free events has represented the creative collaboration between community members, businesses and organizations, students, faculty and staff.
The inaugural series coincided with the creation of the University Chorale and the development of a theatre minor as AU expanded its growing arts and music programs, a trend that continues today. New campus facilities — Perry Theatre in The Aurora Foundation Center for Community Enrichment and Crimi Auditorium in the Institute for Collaboration — provided state-of-the-art backdrops for those first events, which mostly included student recitals and performances, theatre productions, and exhibits.
As the series grew, the lineup was expanded to include more guest lecturers and performers. Now in its sixth year, Arts and Ideas has evolved into a marquee series that attracts top performers and lecturers from around the country.
The series has truly lived up to its name. We're looking forward to another great season as we continue to celebrate arts and ideas with the community.
