Fall 2026

Columbia University School of the Arts Presents…

“Please join us for a season of readings, screenings, exhibitions, conversations, and more, with these and other extraordinary artists.”

–Sarah Cole, Dean of Columbia University School of the Arts and Parr Professor of English and Comparative Literature

–Gavin Browning, Director of Public Programs and Engagement

In September, the School of the Arts is proud to present We be the luminous blues… by acclaimed artist, alum, and Assistant Professor Adama Delphine Fawundu '18. Installed in the lobby of the Lenfest Center for the Arts, Fawundu's banners celebrate pathbreaking ancestors and alumni of Columbia University such as folklorist, novelist, and writer Zora Neale Hurston, minister and suffragist Mabel Ping-Hua Lee, organizer and social worker Antonia Pantoja, actor and singer Paul Robeson, and many others. More. 

To open this stunning exhibition, Fawundu will discuss her creative process, Kpoto Patchwork, with Professors of English and Comparative Literature, Farah Jasmine Griffin and Shana L. Redmond. More. 

Miller Theatre and the Arts Initiative will present the 15th Annual Morningside Lights: A Common Thread, a procession of handmade lanterns that will delve into the fabric of iconic patterns, decorative motifs, and recurring images that surround us. Concept and Direction by Processional Arts Workshop. More.

In October, Carlos Barragán '24 will discuss The Yahoo Boys: Love, Deception, and the Real Lives of Nigeria's Romance Scammers, his astonishing work of immersion journalism about four young romance scammers in Lagos and the moral dilemmas they face, with Associate Professor of Writing Wendy S. Walters. More.

Acclaimed multidisciplinary artist Derrick Adams '03 will present his work that celebrates and expands the dialogue around contemporary Black life and culture through scenes of normalcy and perseverance. With an introduction by Professor of Art History and Archaeology Kellie Jones and a response by Assistant Professor of Visual Arts David Antonio Cruz. More.

Filmmakers David Greaves and Liani Greaves will discuss their stirring new documentary, Once Upon a Time in Harlem—a film 50 years in the making—with Associate Professor of Film and Media Studies Racquel Gates. More.

The celebrated and BAFTA Award-winning actor Fiona Shaw will discuss her work on the stage and screen as part of Dean Sarah Cole’s signature series, Speak Now. More.

The LeRoy Neiman Gallery will present The Voicemail, a collection of video clips, slide shows, souvenirs, and original artwork that create a unique visual love letter to the artist Julia Jalowiec '22, who passed away in 2024. Curated by her professor, Jon Kessler. More.

The play UnRavelled will explore the parallel lives of scientist-turned-painter Anne Adams and composer Maurice Ravel, revealing a surprising link between neurological disease and creativity, shedding light on dementia with empathy and awe. More.

Renowned visual artist Wangechi Mutu will share recent work, including film, sculpture, and installation at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, as part of Dean Sarah Cole's series, Speak Now. Response by Rachel Grace Newman, Assistant Professor of African American and African Diaspora Studies. More.

In November, novelist and essayist Maaza Mengiste will discuss her wide-ranging career with writer and translator Lars Horn for Columbia’s Art + Life series, a program of intimate conversations with poets and writers organized by Undergraduate Creative Writing. More.

Throughout the semester, Film faculty will spotlight films they love: Elizabeth Ramirez-Soto will screen Araya; Maureen A. Ryan will showcase Brazil; and Andy Bienen will present The Best Years of our Lives. More.

And Lenfest Kids: Time Travel will feature Back to the Future, Arco, Meet the Robinsons, and Buster Keaton’s Three Ages with live musical accompaniment. Each screening will be followed by creative activities led by Columbia Artist/Teachers. More.

Visit the School of the Arts website for the full season of events.