New Research Explores How HBCUs Can Boost Arts Career Development

Washington, DC—Since their inception, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have created vital spaces for artistic expression. A new research report released today by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) examines the current state of arts and cultural assets at HBCUs and how these assets prepare students for careers. Hidden in Plain Sight: Activating the Arts and Creative Workforce Development at HBCUs also offers findings and recommendations for HBCUs and funders to enhance their support of the arts and better support students in pursuing arts and cultural careers. 

The report also presents information on high-growth arts and cultural industries and occupations in the areas where HBCUs are located. It further explores how HBCUs are preparing students to meet these regional workforce needs. Three accompanying case studies about the Atlanta University Center Consortium (Georgia), Jackson State University (Mississippi), and Texas Southern University detail the arts and cultural assets at these HBCUs and their connections to surrounding communities.

Mary Anne Carter, senior advisor at the National Endowment for the Arts, said, “President Trump has continued to demonstrate a commitment to elevating HBCUs as beacons of educational excellence and economic opportunity. This new report from the NEA shines a light on the many ways HBCUs are helping students build careers in arts-related fields while also identifying opportunities for both schools and funders to further their support.”

Visit arts.gov for additional information related to these findings, including: 

• An executive summary
• A full report with three in-depth HBCU case studies
• An analysis and state-by-state guide to high-growth arts and cultural industries and occupations in states where HBCUs are located
• Infographics showing arts and cultural assets at each of the case study HBCUs

2M Research, a consulting firm, prepared the report and accompanying materials based on a study it conducted for the NEA. 

NEA’s Commitment to HBCUs

Outreach to HBCUs is a direct priority of the National Endowment for the Arts. The NEA is a proud member of the White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at HBCUs (White House Initiative on HBCUs) and created and leads the initiative’s Interagency Competitiveness Cluster for Arts, History, Humanities, & Culture. In 2019, the White House Initiative on HBCUs recognized the NEA with a Public Partnership Award for its outreach to HBCUs. Learn more at arts.gov/Impact/HBCU.