For students passionate about the arts, finding the right college is more than just academics—it’s about finding a place where creativity thrives. The Performing and Visual Arts College Fair is a key resource for aspiring artists, offering a centralized platform to explore academic programs, meet admissions representatives, and gather critical information about arts-specific college options. Whether you’re interested in theatre, music, dance, visual arts, or design, this fair provides valuable opportunities for connection and discovery.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Performing and Visual Arts College Fair, including what it is, why it matters, what to expect, how to prepare, and how to make the most of your visit. We’ve also included a helpful table that compares participating institutions and their arts programs.

What is the Performing and Visual Arts College Fair?

The Performing and Visual Arts College Fair (PVA Fair) is a highly specialized and targeted event explicitly designed for students who aspire to pursue higher education in the arts.

At a PVA Fair, students and their families have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with admissions representatives from a diverse array of postsecondary institutions offering strong programs in the arts. These include prestigious arts colleges, conservatories, comprehensive universities with robust arts departments, and independent institutions that specialize in specific creative disciplines. The environment is intentionally designed to cater to those with a passion for the arts, providing a more tailored and meaningful experience than traditional college fairs.

The fair caters to prospective students who are interested in a broad range of artistic fields, such as:

• Dance – including ballet, modern, jazz, choreography, and performance studies
• Music – From classical to contemporary, including performance, composition, music education, and music business
• Theatre – Covering acting, directing, musical theatre, dramaturgy, and stage production
• Graphic Design – Encompassing branding, digital design, UI/UX, and visual communication
• Photography – Both digital and film-based, with emphasis on technique, storytelling, and fine art approaches
• Film – including directing, screenwriting, cinematography, animation, and post-production
• Fashion – From design and merchandising to textiles, sustainability, and fashion marketing
• Visual Arts – Such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, installation art, and mixed media
• Architecture – Combining creative design with technical training in structural and spatial problem-solving

These disciplines are not just hobbies for students attending the fair—they are serious career paths that require both talent and dedication. As such, the information shared at PVA Fairs goes far beyond basic admissions facts. These fairs serve as critical opportunities to learn about:

• Program structures that combine artistic development with academic rigor
• Audition and portfolio requirements, which are often key components of the application process
• Faculty expertise and mentorship models, which are essential in studio-based and performance-centered learning
• Specialized facilities and resources, such as rehearsal studios, digital labs, theatres, galleries, and darkrooms
• Internships, residencies, and real-world learning opportunities that prepare students for life after graduation
• Scholarships and financial aid explicitly designed for art students, including merit-based awards and need-based assistance
• Career trajectories and post-graduate success, including alum networks, industry connections, and employment outcomes

By offering this depth and breadth of information in a centralized location, the Performing and Visual Arts College Fair empowers students to make informed decisions about their educational journeys. It provides clarity for those who may be uncertain about which type of program is best for their artistic goals, whether they are seeking a conservatory-style BFA with intense studio work or a broader liberal arts education with an arts emphasis.

In essence, PVA Fairs are not only college fairs; they are launchpads for the next generation of artists, designers, performers, and creatives. They reflect the growing recognition that the arts are not an extracurricular luxury but a vital and valuable path of study and professional contribution.

Importance of Attending a PVA College Fair

1. Focused Environment

You’re surrounded by institutions that understand your passion and are specifically looking for students like you.

2. Direct Interaction

You have the opportunity to speak directly with college reps who can answer your questions about curriculum, faculty, student life, and admissions processes.

3. Preparation for Competitive Applications

You’ll learn about audition dates, portfolio submission deadlines, and scholarship opportunities that may not be widely advertised.

4. Inspiration and Insight

Being in a room full of like-minded individuals can be incredibly motivating and inspiring. You may also discover schools and programs you hadn’t previously considered.

What to Expect at the Fair

A Performing and Visual Arts College Fair typically consists of:

• Booths or tables staffed by admissions representatives
• Workshops or information sessions on audition preparation, portfolio development, and financial aid
• Printed materials like brochures, catalogs, and scholarship information
• Opportunities for networking with current students, alums, or faculty

The atmosphere is energetic and creative. Some fairs even include student performances, live demos, or interactive activities related to specific art disciplines.

How to Prepare Before the Fair

Preparation is essential for making the most of your time at a college fair. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Research Participating Schools

Visit the official PVA Fair website to see the list of participating schools. Highlight the ones that interest you the most and gather preliminary information about their programs.

2. Prepare Questions

Here are some sample questions you might want to ask:

• What types of degrees do you offer (BFA, BA, BM, etc.)?
• Do you require auditions or portfolios? What are the requirements?
• What opportunities exist for performance, exhibitions, or internships?
• How do you support career development in the arts?

3. Bring a Resume or Portfolio

Even if not required, having a short resume that includes your artistic training, experience, and accomplishments can leave a positive impression. For visual artists, consider bringing a tablet with digital samples of your work.

4. Dress Comfortably but Professionally

First impressions matter. You don’t need to dress formally, but looking neat and intentional goes a long way.

5. Register in Advance

Most PVA Fairs allow online pre-registration, which saves time and ensures you receive updates.

How to Make the Most of the Fair

Once you arrive at the fair, it’s go time. Here’s how to navigate the experience effectively:

1. Start with Your Top Choices

Head to the booths of your most desired schools early in the event, as lines can grow longer as the day progresses.

2. Take Notes

You may meet 10 or more schools in one day—it’s easy to forget who said what.

3. Collect Contact Information

Get the business cards or emails of admissions reps, and ask if it’s okay to follow up with additional questions.

4. Attend Workshops

These sessions often contain insider advice on preparing for auditions, building a portfolio, and navigating the financial aid process.

5. Stay Open-Minded

Be willing to explore schools you hadn’t heard of. You may discover a hidden gem that’s a perfect fit.

After the Fair: What to Do Next

1. Follow Up

Send thank-you emails to the representatives you spoke with, mentioning something specific you discussed to make the message more personal.

2. Organize Materials

Sort through the brochures and notes you collected. Rank your top choices and begin planning your application timeline.

3. Start the Application Process

Many arts programs have early deadlines, and some require pre-screen auditions or digital portfolio submissions.

4. Visit Campuses

If possible, arrange campus visits to get a deeper feel for the schools that interest you most. Attend performances or gallery shows if available.

Sample of Participating Schools and Their Programs

Here is a sample comparison of institutions that commonly attend Performing and Visual Arts College Fairs:

School Name	Location	Degree Types Offered	Areas of Focus	Audition/Portfolio Requirement	Scholarships Available
Juilliard School	New York, NY	BFA, MM, DMA	Dance, Drama, Music	Audition Required	Yes
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)	Savannah, GA	BFA, BA, MA, MFA	Film, Fashion, Graphic Design, Illustration	Portfolio Required	Yes
Berklee College of Music	Boston, MA	BM, BFA, MA, MFA	Music Performance, Music Production	Audition Required	Yes
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)	Providence, RI	BFA, MFA	Fine Arts, Photography, Architecture	Portfolio Required	Yes
Tisch School of the Arts (NYU)	New York, NY	BFA, MFA	Drama, Film, TV, Photography	Audition/Portfolio Required	Yes
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)	Valencia, CA	BFA, MFA	Animation, Film, Theatre, Music, Visual Arts	Audition/Portfolio Required	Yes
Columbia College Chicago	Chicago, IL	BA, BFA, MA, MFA	Theatre, Film, Dance, Visual Arts, Fashion	Portfolio Recommended	Yes
University of the Arts	Philadelphia, PA	BFA, BM, MFA, MAT	Music, Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts	Audition/Portfolio Required	Yes
School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)	Chicago, IL	BFA, MFA	Fine Arts, Art History, Film, New Media	Portfolio Required	Yes
New World School of the Arts	Miami, FL	BFA, BM	Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts	Audition/Portfolio Required	Yes

Note: Offerings and requirements vary year to year. Please check each school’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Tips for Parents and Guardians

Parents often play a key role in the college decision process, especially when it comes to financing and logistics. Here’s how parents can support their artist-students:

• Attend the fair together to gather information firsthand.
• Ask about safety, student housing, and career services.
• Encourage exploration of multiple options, not just the most well-known programs.
• Discuss budget and scholarships early in the process.
• Support your student’s passion with openness and curiosity, even if the arts are unfamiliar to you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not preparing in advance: Showing up without knowing which schools will be present wastes valuable time.
• Ignoring lesser-known schools: Some excellent programs may not be as well-known, but they offer fantastic training and opportunities.
• Asking only about admissions: Remember to ask about student life, facilities, alum success, and other vital areas.
• Failing to follow up: Making a connection at the fair is just the first step—nurture that connection after the event.
• Not knowing your goals: Clarify whether you’re interested in a conservatory-style training program, a liberal arts program, or a hybrid approach.

The Bottom Line

The Performing and Visual Arts College Fair is a golden opportunity for students to explore, engage, and begin shaping their creative futures. Whether you’re a painter, singer, designer, dancer, or actor, attending this fair can open doors to institutions and programs that align with your artistic vision. With thoughtful preparation and a spirit of curiosity, the fair can be the launching pad for a fulfilling and vibrant educational journey in the arts.

Final Thoughts

Art has the power to transform societies and touch hearts. Pursuing a degree in the arts is not just about developing skills—it’s about expressing voice, vision, and identity. The Performing and Visual Arts College Fair is a celebration of that commitment, offering a space where creativity and higher education meet.

So attend with passion, prepare with intention, and walk away with clarity on the path that best honors your artistic gifts.