University Audiences

The students, faculty, and staff of Ohio State and other area universities bring programs at the Wexner Center for the Arts to life every school year. Over the center’s 30-year history, we have collaborated with departments from every corner of campus as a multidisciplinary, international laboratory for the exploration and advancement of contemporary art. A nexus for cultural research, production, and experience—and a platform for the exchange of ideas—we continue to serve as a resource for campus and community. To reach us with any questions or inquiries about working together, please email education@wexarts.org.

Faculty Collaborations

A group of people converse onstage

Alongside our faculty partners, Wex curators, educators, and other staff members enhance and contribute to university courses through guided tours, guest lectures, project support, research, master classes, and beyond. Over the years, we’ve been delighted to see the Wex embedded in on-campus classes and seminars, for example, when students attend and respond to programs, performances, and screenings as part of their coursework. We also invite faculty from Ohio State and other colleges to lead gallery talks during the academic year. To discuss upcoming initiatives or explore curricular connections, please send an inquiry to education@wexarts.org.

 

Recent Collaborations with Ohio State

Ohio State Architecture students participate in a workshop ran by Sarah Oppenheimer.

Some partnerships with faculty, students, and artists span the course of several semesters. Here's a handful of recent long-term collaborations between campus and our exhibitions, film/video, performing arts, and education departments.

  • During her two years as a Wexner Center Artist Residency Award recipient, Sarah Oppenheimer collaborated with Ohio State’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering to develop the new, patent-pending pivot mechanism central to her installation in our galleries. Find out more about the exhibition and related public programs.
  • Our film/video department cosponsors Ohio State’s Department of Theatre’s annual DigiEYE event, an evening of new visual digital media works by undergraduate and graduate students from the university’s Departments of Theatre, Art, Dance, and the Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design.
  • Catalyzed by the Ronald and Deborah Ratner Distinguished Teaching Award, a cohort of Ohio State undergrads and grad students chronicled the Wex’s 2019–20 performing arts season online and in a student-driven publication. Read writing selections and more about the work led by Karen Eliot in Ohio State’s Department of Dance.
  • Since 2018, the center’s education department has partnered with Ohio State’s Center for Cognitive and Brain Sciences and Undergraduate Cognitive Science Club to present the annual CogFest program featuring scholars from around the world.

 

University Tours

Students look at a painting by Noah Purifoy in our galleries

The Wex offers tours of gallery exhibitions and our Peter Eisenman–designed building for university courses or groups of any discipline. Resources developed by Wex staff are available to course instructors. Gallery admission and docent-led tours are free for all university students with a valid college ID. Contact our education department at education@wexarts.org to find out how we can design an experience together based on your course objectives. Please contact us at least three weeks in advance to schedule a visit.

 

University Cosponsorships

An author signs books in front of the Wexner Center Store

The education department reviews proposals for university cosponsorships held at the Wex. These may include an artist or scholar talk, conference, or reading. Frequently, we support cosponsorships that intersect with the center’s programmatic areas and contemporary topics. Please note that we review cosponsorship proposals three to four months in advance.

 

Talks and More

Filmmaker Julia Reichert and visual artist LaToya Ruby Frazer talk onstage with Senator Sherrod Brown

Encounter extraordinary artists, filmmakers, architects, curators, critics, and cultural commentators, and engage with Ohio State faculty and visiting experts in illuminating gallery talks, lectures, panel discussions, readings, and book signings. Explore current and past programs on Talks and More.

 

Internships

Wex interns pose for a fun group photo.

Please find detailed information about our academic internships and upcoming deadlines on these pages:

Student Docent Program and Volunteering

All university students are invited to apply to the Student Docent Program and inquire about volunteer opportunities.

Federal Work-Study and Graduate Assistant Positions

The Wexner Center offers a variety of Federal Work-Study and Graduate Assistant positions across departments. To learn more, please contact human resources.

 

Student Benefits and the Annual Student Party

Dancers perform in front of a crowd at a Wex Student Party

College students enjoy free gallery admission (with valid ID) and discounts on tickets to most performances and films. To see more about these perks, please visit the membership page.

Every September, the Wex welcomes over 1,000 college students to celebrate the start of the new school year. Enjoy free food, a film screening, student group performances, and meeting fellow art fans. Check the calendar for upcoming events for students.

The Wexner Center for the Arts’ Student Engagement Group (SEG) is an Ohio State University student organization open to all majors. SEG creates connections between university students and the Wex, initiates and contributes to student programming, and expands appreciation of contemporary art. 

 

Art & Resilience

A group of people meditate in a gallery.

Contemporary art reflects our humanity and guides us to contemplate how we engage with others in our society. Many students, staff, and faculty enjoy our Art & Resilience programs. Find out more