CFA

Right before Earth Day, Small Island Big Song presents a "jaw-dropping" (Billboard) concert experience at the Center for the Arts on April 20, combining music, spoken word, and stunning projections to showcase unique oceanic grooves and soulful island ballads, while shining a light on the devastating effects of climate crisis on our world’s oceans. As a Mason Artist-in-Residence, Small Island Big Song will also deeply engage with the community through a series of education and engagement programs.

On February 17, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham presented a thrilling collection of works by acclaimed choreographers, including its artistic director and MacArthur Genius Award-winning choreographer Kyle Abraham. As a Mason Artist-in-Residence, members of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham worked with Mason as well as communities within Manassas, Washington, D.C., and local communities in a variety of activities ranging from classroom visits to A.I.M Movement Workshops that brought participants up on their feet.

Join us on Feb 17 for an extraordinary evening of visionary works using various dance and music styles that uncover the relationships between identity, history, and geography.

Culminating its second of three years in residence at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University, Silkroad Ensemble engaged with George Mason University’s campus, as well as the local Fairfax community, as Mason Artist-in-Residence in conjunction with its November 5 performance of the world-premiere program American Railroad.

Returning for their second of three years as a Mason Artist-in-Residence, Silkroad Ensemble and Artistic Director Rhiannon Giddens present the world premiere of American Railroad, an initiative that maps American music through the various communities involved in building the late-1800s Transcontinental Railroad and its connecting railways. As a Mason Artist-in-Residence, Silkroad artists will also work with the community through classes and workshops surrounding the performance, which are detailed within.

ARTS by George! returned on Saturday, September 30, 2023, hosted by the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) at George Mason University. The benefit event, which was headlined by GRAMMY and Tony Award winner Renée Elise Goldsberry, raised more than $275,000 for student scholarships in visual arts, dance, music, theater, game design, film, arts management, as well as for the Mason Community Arts Academy, Green Machine Ensembles, and the Great Performances at Mason season at the Center for the Arts.

Mason Arts' “digital venue” is evolving once more with a new name for the online platform: Mason Arts Amplified. Formerly known as Mason Arts at Home, this curated collection features arts experiences, including digitally released performances, panel discussions, behind-the-scenes talks with artists, and more.

Prior to the special performance of Renée Elise Goldsberry in Concert headlining the evening, College of Visual and Performing Arts students showcase their talents in visual arts, music, game design, dance, and more. Read on to learn more about some of the stellar performances and experiences you can partake in when visiting ARTS by George!

Each season, the Center for the Arts invites artists and ensembles with distinctive and innovative artistic voices to make George Mason University their home for a residency. The Center for the Arts is thrilled to present three 2023/2024 Mason Artists-in-Residence: Silkroad Ensemble, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, and Small Island Big Song.

Mason Artist-in-Residence Indigenous Enterprise Leads Events Across Campus and Community