Hidden in Plain Sight: Activating the Arts and Creative Workforce Development at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

This executive summary and two-volume report presents findings from a comprehensive study on the arts and creative workforce infrastructure at the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Drawing from surveys, listening sessions, labor market analyses, and case studies, the report identifies more than 1,100 arts assets across HBCUs and explores how these institutions support student preparation for arts careers.

The Executive Summary highlights opportunities for partnerships and investments in arts and culture at HBCUs. It makes recommendations for strengthening and sustaining the arts’ role at HBCUs and for advancing career development in the arts.

Volume 1: Main Report offers an in-depth analysis from a mixed-method study, including three HBCU case studies that describe arts and cultural assets on- and off-campus. Infographics for each case study are also available:

Atlanta University Consortium
Jackson State University
Texas Southern University

Volume 2: A Guide to High-Growth Arts and Cultural Occupations identifies opportunities for arts careers that are on the rise within each state or territory that has at least one HBCU. The report includes state fact-sheets on high-growth arts industries and occupations.