The Arts at the University of Southern Maine
At the University of Southern Maine (USM), the arts are essential. Whether in the classroom, on stage, or in the community, our artists are shaping Southern Maine’s cultural future.
We believe creative expression belongs at the center of higher education, preparing our students not just for careers in the arts but for leadership across today’s innovation-driven economy.
Our vision integrates the arts into every corner of university life, supporting both dedicated arts majors and students from other disciplines who benefit from creative thinking as well as cultural and visual literacy.
Accessible & future-focused
We are committed to building Southern Maine’s future creative workforce by offering top-tier training and arts facilities.
With state-of-the-art performance halls perfectly sized for student performance, purpose-built creative studios, digital & recording labs, professional gallery spaces, and so much more — all within a public university setting that remains affordable and inclusive — ensuring that determination and creativity, not income, drives student success.
Performances & showings across the arts
Maine’s First Collegiate All-Steinway Institution
The University of Southern Maine has officially achieved a landmark distinction as the 250th All-Steinway Institution globally, and the first All-Steinway college in Maine.
At the heart of this achievement is the addition of 26 new Steinway pianos, chosen to meet the acoustic, pedagogical, and performance needs of students and faculty alike. From the Crewe Center for the Arts Performance Hall to its teaching studios, rehearsal rooms, and practice spaces, each piano helps students grow as musicians — supporting their creativity, skill, and confidence at every stage of their education.
Where students come to create
Our arts programming serves students of all ages, whether you seek an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, are a lover of art and wish to take a class, participate in an ensemble, or are seeking youth programming for your child or class — USM is where you can come to create.
Southern Maine is your campus
Offering resources, performances, exhibitions, and creative spaces that are open to both the university community and the public, USM is where the arts come to connect. Discover what each of our campuses offers across the arts — Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston-Auburn.
News & stories across the arts
Resident artists
The Artist‑in‑Residence program at the University of Southern Maine hosts a nationally recognized visiting artist, adding a rich new perspective to our Arts community each year, engaging us through critiques, demos, public talks, and community-focused projects.
Our artist for 2025–26 is Peter Bruun, will collaborate with Portland-area nonprofits on Even As We Grieve, creating art and stories that highlight how communities support one another through loss and crisis.