40 Hours for the Forty Acres Spring 2023

Who We Are

We are the college of creativity at The University of Texas at Austin—a home for artists, performers, designers, scholars, makers and visionaries ready to change the world. Fine Arts students include those studying in:  

• The Department of Art and Art History 
• The Department of Theatre and Dance 
• The Butler School of Music 
• The School of Design and Creative Technologies

Looking for the Longhorn Band? Click HERE

What We Are Fundraising For

The College of Fine Arts’ Creative Leaders program is dedicated to the development and success of UT students facing circumstances that could jeopardize their ability to complete an undergraduate education. In 2021-2022, the program’s pilot year, Creative Leaders had a 100% retention rate and has grown to support over 50 students. 

Common factors impacting graduation rates include being a first-generation college student, being a member of a historically under-served community, working through a disability, or financial need. While many students qualify for Federal Pell Grants and Texas Grants to cover tuition and fees, it is usually not enough to cover all of their expenses to attend UT, and you can make a remarkable difference with a gift of any size. 

Students are able to self-identify to join Creative Leaders, making it inclusive and accessible to anyone in need of support. 

Creative Leaders provides its students with the resources and tools to optimize their educational experience, minimize student loan debt, and graduate career-ready through individualized support. 

Help empower students to achieve their educational and creative goals.

Your Impact

Your gift of any size will support Fine Arts students as they pursue their education and passion for the arts. Your generosity will support the following needs of Creative Leaders:

• School Supplies: textbooks, technology equipment, software, other required course materials
• Programming: special events, field trips, tutoring, guest speakers, unpaid internship support and study abroad support
• Enrollment support: groceries, medication, cost of living needs, miscellaneous expenses, emergency funding 

The primary goal of the Creative Leaders program at the College of Fine Arts is to improve student retention by providing a “safety net” for economically disadvantaged and first-generation college students. By decoding the educational experience and providing targeted support for students, we can decrease the college drop-out rate. We believe that every Longhorn has the drive, determination, and potential to change the world, and your support helps students jumpstart their bright futures. 

What some of our Creative Leaders Program students have to say:

“The Creative Leaders Program offered emotional, life and educational support like no other.  The sole purpose of this [program] was to be that extra layer of support for first time college students, offering daily reminders on university deadlines, teaching us how to manage stress and academics, and providing direct solutions to many problems students deem above them.”

“I’m honored to be part of Creative Leaders... It’s a serious enterprise, grounded in preparing each member for the real world after college. As a group, we focus on meeting, interacting, listening and learning how to navigate our future from our safe space. Knowledge is gained, friendships are made. It has honestly been the most invaluable experience for me, and I have grown in maturity as a result of the guidance I have received.”

"The community built around Creative Leaders really gave me the support I needed to pull through freshman year. Not only have I made amazing and talented friends because of this program, but I have been able to focus on building my career–especially with the resources and information provided by this program. Every event or meet up we had, created a sense of community, support and belonging. If I could go back in time to experience it again, I would 100% do it again. I feel fortunate for having this opportunity and love.”