20 Years of Creativity: Celebrating the Smith Center for the Arts, explores Providence College’s rich artistic legacy. Since our doors opened in 1919, the arts have been at the heart of campus life. The orchestra formed that very first year, and the Glee club soon followed in 1920.  By 1921, theatre was making its mark with productions on and off campus.

While the arts flourished in classrooms and student clubs, it wasn’t until the latter half of the 20th century that our diverse artistic programs and departments began to take shape. This exhibit, with rotating displays throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, invites you to explore the dynamic evolution of theatre, dance, film, music, and art galleries at Providence College. Discover how spaces like the Blackfriars Theatre in Harkins Hall and the dance studio in the basement of the Ceramics Building paved the way for what would become the Smith Center for the Arts.