Studying Arts in Arizona

Art students acquiring their degrees in Arizona will be inspired by the state's beauty, its Native American culture, and its artistic heritage.

Those attending college or university arts programs in Arizona will enjoy the state's natural beauty. Tourists are attracted to the picturesque Sonoran Desert in the southern area of the state, while the north features scenic mountain ranges, forests, and the Grand Canyon. Art students in particular will also appreciate the influence of the region's cultural facilities and people.

The Phoenix Art Museum is an inspiration to those working toward an arts diploma. The facility hosts a year-round schedule of arts festivals, performance events, and screenings of independent films. Students of photography will be pleased to learn that the museum partners with the Center for Creative Photography.

Arizona is of special interest to those studying cinematography, due to its choice as a location for many major Hollywood films, ranging from "Billy Jack" to "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure." The state has also served as the location or script setting for television shows such as "The New Dick Van Dyke Show" and "America's Most Wanted," providing inspiration as well as production venues for those working in the TV and film industries.

Arizona also has a Native American influence contributing to its local arts culture. Approximately one quarter of the state is federal land that's home to various tribes such as the Navajo and Apache tribes. Native American art is beautifully featured in an extensive collection at the Heard Museum.

Arts students pursuing degrees in Arizona will benefit from the beautiful setting of the state, as well as from the rich cultural heritage of its indigenous people.