The arts provide some of our most rewarding terrains for imagination, experimentation, and intelligence. The Bates arts scene is vibrant and prolific, offering our community a dynamic collection of performances and exhibitions all year long.
Classical, Popular and World Music
Bates musical presentations celebrate a wide spectrum of genres and cultures. In addition to concerts and recitals featuring the College Orchestra, College Choir, Jazz Band, Gamelan and Steel Pan Orchestras, Olin regularly presents acclaimed special guests and visiting international artists.
The Theater and Dance performance season offers classic and contemporary theater productions in our three unique theater spaces as well as four diverse dance performances annually with original choreographic works by visiting guest artists, faculty and student choreographers.
Student and faculty artists present regular exhibitions, and guest lecturers explore intersecting areas of art, architecture and material culture in a wide range of subjects and mediums.
Literary Arts Live
Readings and lectures that explore cultural and artistic topics are presented by faculty, students and visiting guests several times a semester.
Olin Arts Center
MoA brings a world of ideas to our community and the state of Maine. Through temporary and permanent exhibitions, and educational programs, the Museum is an integral part of the cultural life of the region.
For 35 years, the Bates Dance Festival has been producing a six-week performance series featuring acclaimed contemporary artists, three training programs for youth through professionals, and creative development residencies for artists during the summer months.