BabsonARTS

Bringing to life both the ​classics and edgy new productions, theater through BabsonARTS is consistently relevant and thought-provoking. With performances from faculty- and student-led organizations, as well as renowned directors and actors, there’s always a new reason to visit the stage.

Get immersed in the visual arts and design made available through BabsonARTS. Engage with both the artists and the art on display with exhibits showcased throughout the year. Babson, Olin, and Wellesley students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to take advantage of regularly offered workshops in ceramics, painting, and drawing and members of the Babson community are able to enjoy free or discounted access to exhibits and museums in the Greater Boston area.​​​​​

Boundless: A Creative Showcase
Art Exhibit by Babson College Students
Artist Open House and Reception
Wednesday, January 29, 5:00 P.M. 
FREE and open to the public.
Reservations encouraged HERE.
Walk-ins welcome. 
Exhibit on View: January 26–March 14 (M-F 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.)
Hollister Gallery

BabsonARTS is fortunate to know first-hand the abundance of talented students on campus, some of whom identify as artists and others who may not. This exhibit showcases a sample of artwork that is often only seen inside a residence hall and hopes to inspire the Babson community to look around to see the art that is in more corners of our community than some may know. Sometimes it is up on a wall in an open gallery, and sometimes you only need look a little bit deeper to discover the richness of creativity we see every day. 

 

Children of War: New Work by Bayda Asbridge
Artist Open House and Reception:
Thursday, March 27, 5:00 P.M.
FREE and open to the public
Reservations encouraged HERE
Walk-ins welcome
Exhibit on View: March 27–May 18 (M-F 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.)
Hollister Gallery

This exhibit carries the voice of children trapped in war and displacement. A series of sculptures in the shape of umbrellas (a symbol of protection) hang from the ceiling or sit on the floor upside down collecting drops of rain. The sculptures are made with round reeds, and copper wires woven with colorful yarn. Water is symbolic throughout the project, each umbrella highlighting different challenges for the children: A child that drowned while escaping in a dingy from one land to another, another who is forced to live in a tent flooded with sea water in the cold months of winter, another who has gone days with no water to drink at all. The vibrant primary colors and overall whimsy of the piece further highlights the children it represents. Artist website: www.baydasart.com

 

 

 

There are many dynamic artists in the world of film and television, and BabsonARTS strives to showcase a representative array of fresh creative voices. Award-winning documentaries, classics from the silver screen, and the works of daring international filmmakers are all screened and discussed.

A Case for Love Screening
Thursday, February 20, 7:00 P.M.
Carling-Sorenson Theater
FREE and open to the public.
Registration encouraged HERE
Walk-ins welcome.

Inspired by the teaching and writings of Bishop Michael Curry, most well-known for his passionate sermon about “The Power of Love” at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, this feature-length documentary examines the question of whether love, specifically – unselfish – love, is the solution to the extreme societal and political divide facing the world. The film team traveled the U.S. searching for people living their lives selflessly and how that way of living affects others and themselves. Random people on the street to well-known figures including Pete Buttigieg, Sam Waterston, Al Roker, and Becca Stevens share their thoughts on the topic, and finally Bishop Michael Curry places it all into context. See the trailer at gracebasedfilms.org

Grace Based Films is in pre-production on their next project, a feature-length narrative film, focusing on the challenges of young people who have entered school or launched a career amid a pandemic and turbulent economy. This story is for young people and the filmmakers invite students to share their views, insights and experiences as part of the listening tour seeking out an array of voices and asking difficult questions. More information available at gracebasedfilms.org/hope

 

Global Film: The Persian Version
Directed by Maryam Keshavarz
Tuesday, March 4, 7:00 P.M.
Carling-Sorenson Theater
FREE
Registration required HERE

With a family that straddles two conflicting cultures, Iranian American Leila (Layla Mohammadi) strives to find balance and embrace her opposing cultures while boldly challenging the labels society is so quick to project upon her. When her family reunites in New York City for her father’s heart transplant, Leila keeps her family members at arm’s length to avoid lectures and judgement about her lifestyle. But as time goes by, Leila begins to see the distinct parallels between her life and that of her mother, Shireen (Niousha Noor). Punctuated by a bright color palette, snappy comedy, and vibrant dance numbers. Post-film discussion will be held immediately following the screening. Co-presented by the Global Film Series and the Arts and Humanities Division.

Whether modern, ethnic, classical, or a fusion of all three, music at Babson takes a variety of forms, all of which can serve as powerful conduits for entrepreneurial thinking. Regardless of the setting, music performances through BabsonARTS are engaging and innovative displays of talent and creative vision. Learn more about Performance Venues and Practice Rooms.

Live at the Black Box
Thursday, April 3, 7:00 P.M. 
Sorenson Black Box
FREE and open to the public
Registration encouraged HERE
Walk-ins welcome

Live at the Black Box features student performers, and the lineup may include anything from a solo singer to a band to a stand-up comedian. These performers are showcased in short sets in an intimate and relaxing club style environment with refreshments. Stop in for a particular act or stay for the duration of the event. Run time approximately 60 minutes. 

Students interested in applying to perform should contact the BabsonARTS office at babsonarts@ babson.edu for application materials and guidelines. We encourage all performers to apply!

Get Involved with Babson Music Collective!

Babson Music Collective Fall 2022 Concert. Photo by Nile Hawver.

Babson Music Collective Spring 2023 Concert. Photo by Emily Wang.

With multiple rehearsal spaces and the Babson Dance Ensemble—the largest student-run organization on campus—there’s never a shortage of performances through Bab​sonARTS. With shows featuring everything from hip hop to tap, dance is an energizing way to experience innovative thought in action.

Celebrating the vast and eclectic stories to be told, Literary Arts at BabsonARTS showcase the works of renowned writers, poets, and literary experts reaching new and captive audiences at Babson with their words and stories.

The Littauer Series
Poverty, by America: Matthew Desmond
Wednesday, February 26, 7:00 P.M.
Carling-Sorenson Theater
Event is limited to Babson Students, Faculty and Staff. Priority to Spring 2025 FCI classes.
Registration required HERE

MacArthur “Genius” Matthew Desmond was launched onto the national stage as an expert on contemporary American poverty with the publication of his Pulitzer Prize winning bestseller Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. Desmond’s latest book, Poverty, by America, investigates why the United States, the richest country on earth, has more poverty than any other advanced democracy. Why does this land of plenty allow one in every eight of its children to go without basic necessities, permit scores of its citizens to live and die on the streets, and authorize its corporations to pay poverty wages?

Presented by the Littauer Committee, jointly housed in the Arts & Humanities and History & Society Divisions, with additional support provided by the Foundations of Critical Inquiry (FCI) Program and the Associate Deans of the Undergraduate School.

Victoria Chang’s most recent book of poems is With My Back to the World, published in 2024 by Farrar, Straus & Giroux. It received the Forward Prize in Poetry for Best Collection. OBIT (Copper Canyon Press, 2020) received the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award in Poetry, and the PEN/Voelcker Award. It was also a finalist for the Griffin International Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award, as well as longlisted for the National Book Award. Other recent books include The Trees Witness Everything (Copper Canyon Press, 2022) and her nonfiction book, Dear Memory (Milkweed Editions, 2021). She has received a Guggenheim Fellowship and the Chowdhury International Prize in Literature. She is the Bourne Chair in Poetry at Georgia Tech and Director of Poetry@Tech.  Artist’s Website: victoriachangpoet.com 

Series made possible in part by the Charles D. and Marjorie J. Thompson Visiting Poet Fund.

 

Waterline Reading Series Showcase
Tuesday, April 8, 5:00 P.M.
Hollister Gallery
FREE and open to the public
Registration encouraged HERE
Walk-ins welcome

Waterline features a fast-paced hour of literary works from Babson College faculty and staff fiction writers, poets, and essayists. The selection is always intriguing and often includes works in progress not yet in publication. Recently featured authors: Steve Bauer, Mary O’Donoghue, Wes Miller, Mary Pinard, Asiel Sepulveda and David Youtz. 

Co-presented with the Arts and Humanities Division.

BabsonARTS conversations showcase dynamic speakers ranging from prominent arts leaders to literary luminaries. They discuss their work and share their insights, engaging with the audience in an intimate setting.

Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Day
Dr. Régine Jean-Charles
Wednesday, February 12, 5:00 P.M.
Carling-Sorenson Theater
FREE
Registration required HERE

The Babson community remembers, reflects upon, and celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. This annual event continues conversations around Dr. King’s vision of justice, equality, and peace in our own community and in the world at large. This year’s theme is Light, Love & Liberation with keynote speaker Dr. Régine Jean-Charles, Dean’s Professor of Culture and Social Justice as well as Director of Africana Studies at Northeastern University.

Scan the QR code to visit the MLK Legacy Day website for more information.

Creating A Movement: A Conversation with Brian Ide
Friday, February 21, 11:00 A.M.
Sorenson Upper Lobby
FREE and open to the public.
Registration encouraged HERE
Walk-ins welcome.

Grace Based Films is a revolutionary film production company based in Hollywood. They tell universal stories that reveal the complexity of living a life in hope and faith. They have reenvisioned the typical film business model by funding their films through donors rather than investors, allowing them to put people to work and profits to go toward future stories and philanthropy, rather than investors and filmmakers. Brian Ide, Co-Founder and Director of Grace Based Films hosts this open conversation that will follow wherever the audience wants to take the conversation, from their response to A Case for Love to questions about building a film company around creating a movement, and anything in between.

Sorenson Arts Scholars Spotlight
Friday, March 28, 5:00 P.M.
Carling-Sorenson Theater
FREE and open to the public
Registration encouraged HERE
Walk-ins welcome

The Sorenson Arts Scholarship supports student artists while pursuing their Babson College education. Each scholar focuses on an annual project, starting with their primary medium, to explore their artistic identity and to feed their creative development. The Spotlight features our cohort of nine scholars presenting their project for this year, followed by a reception to meet these talented artists and entrepreneurs. Join this celebration of their ongoing journey.

Come explore your creativity! Workshops are in-person and open to current Babson, Olin, and Wellesley students, faculty, and staff. Materials and instruction are provided; no prior experience needed.

Registration is required and will open two weeks prior to each workshop.

Workshops fill quickly. If sold out, email babsonarts@babson.edu to inquire about a wait list.

Embark on a journey of creativity and expression as you learn the art of painting on bisqueware pottery. Discover the secrets of layering, blending, and decorating with vibrant glazes to add depth and character to your pieces. This workshop provides the perfect opportunity to explore new techniques and experiment with colors. Join us and experience the joy of transforming ordinary bisqueware into extraordinary works of art that reflect your unique style and vision.

Linocut Printing
Thursday, March 6, 5:00 P.M.- 7:00 P.M.
2D/3D Studio (Trim 215)
FREE to open to current Babson, Olin, and Wellesley students, faculty, and staff.
Registration opens February 20

Unleash your creativity in this hands-on linocut printing workshop! Learn the basics of carving designs into linoleum blocks and printing your unique creations on paper. This workshop will guide you through the entire process—from selecting tools to mastering inking and printing techniques. Take an inspiring dive into this timeless printmaking form and leave with your own hand-carved block and prints, ready to showcase or gift. Printing can be messy, please dress accordingly.

Dot Mandala Painting
Thursday, April 10, 5:00 P.M.- 7:00 P.M. 
2D/3D Studio (Trim 215)
FREE to open to current Babson, Olin, and Wellesley students, faculty, and staff.
Registration opens March 27

Discover the captivating and therapeutic rhythm of the ancient art of dot mandala painting when you create intricate patterns, designs, and motifs inspired by traditional mandalas. Unleash your inner artist and explore the meditative process of layering colorful dots to craft stunning compositions on unique surfaces. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned painter, come delve into the beauty of dot mandala art and leave with your own masterpiece, infused with positive energy and personal expression.

 

The Babson Ceramic Studio is located in the Sorenson Visual Arts Center within Trim Hall. Memberships are available on a semester basis during the Academic Year to current Babson College, Olin College of Engineering and Wellesley College students, staff, and faculty. Members pay a flat fee of $100 at registration, which covers moderate use of clay, glazes, and other supplies and equipment. Members have access to the studio via Babson OneCards from 8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily including weekends and breaks. A regular firing schedule is posted and the Ceramics Studio manager and monitors have weekly studio hours to assist members as well as weekly drop-in tutorials on hand building and wheel throwing. Previous experience is not required to join The Babson Ceramics Studio relies on student staffing and members working to keep the studio clean, well maintained, and learning together.

Supplies and staffing provided are based on moderate use of the studio and materials and cannot support large volume production, personal or otherwise. Users who are working at a high-level of output beyond personal use may be asked to provide or purchase additional materials as approved by the Ceramics Studio Manager. Production for retail purposes is prohibited.

Registration, open on a tiered basis, usually opens the week prior to the start of each semester using the Babson College academic calendar. Each member must register individually, and payment is due at registration. Slots are limited and go quickly. For more information or to be added to the notification list to receive an email announcing when registration will open each semester, please email babsonceramics@babson.edu. If you wish to be added to the notification list, please provide your name, school email address, and year of expected graduation.

The BabsonARTS Student Arts Grant program provides funding, mentorship, and support from BabsonARTS resources, staff, and affiliates toward specific projects proposed by individual or multiple students. While not as intense as most artistic grant processes, students are offered assistance beginning with the application process through the execution of the project. The arts grant program was created to encourage any interested Babson College student to pursue a creative project, whether identifying as an artist or not, to explore and enhance their engagement with creativity and the arts. Approved projects have included a wide-range of genres including film, visual arts such as painting, ceramics, felting and photography, podcast and video series, and fashion.

Application Deadlines

Student Grant Application

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on the dates listed.

• Spring Semester Projects: November 15
• Fall Semester or Academic Year-long projects that require more lead or project time can be submitted by April 15 for the following fall/academic year.

Successful proposals typically demonstrate clear goals, specific proposed timelines, a strong narrative regarding what the student(s) hope to learn and explore through the proposed projects, and engagement with the resources available throughout the project. The Selection Committee reviews applications the week following each deadline and generally notifies applicants of approval/denial or if there are additional questions within two weeks of the submission deadlines. We fully anticipate projects will hit challenges, pivot, and sometimes end up in a very different place than originally proposed. That is the beauty (and sometimes frustration) of the artistic process—and we embrace that.

Any currently enrolled Babson College student, undergraduate or graduate, is eligible to apply. The application form and guidelines are available here. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment to speak with a member of the BabsonARTS staff about their ideas and proposal before submitting the application. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please email babsonarts@babson.edu.